Shopping Light building and Viaduto do Chá bridge in São Paulo city

Edifício João Brícola

Edifício João Brícola: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Tourist Guide for São Paulo’s Historic Landmark

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Edifício João Brícola, famously known as the Mappin Building, is a cornerstone of São Paulo’s urban, architectural, and cultural heritage. Situated at Praça Ramos de Azevedo, 131, in the vibrant heart of the city, the building encapsulates the evolution of São Paulo from a burgeoning commercial hub in the early 20th century to a metropolis rich in historical and cultural landmarks. Conceived by architect Elisário Antônio da Cunha Bahiana and inaugurated in 1939, it initially served as a commercial epicenter and later became synonymous with the innovative Mappin department store, influencing the city’s retail landscape for over sixty years (Wikipedia; Blog HMVA).

Named in honor of João Brícola, a notable banker and philanthropist, the building has garnered historical protection and is now undergoing a transformative renovation spearheaded by Sesc São Paulo. This guide offers an in-depth look at the building’s history, architectural features, visiting information, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions, equipping visitors with everything they need to explore this São Paulo icon (B3 JB Building; Gazeta SP; Papo Imobiliário).

Theatro Municipal São Paulo historic building by Werner Haberkorn

Aerial view of Vale do Anhangabaú in São Paulo, Brazil

Panoramic view of downtown São Paulo city center with urban landscape and skyscrapers

Origins and Early Development
The Legacy of João Brícola
Architecture and Construction
The Mappin Era
Decline and Adaptive Reuse
Heritage Status
Sesc Transformation and Future Vision
Practical Information for Visitors
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
FAQs
Conclusion
Sources and Further Reading

Origins and Early Development

Edifício João Brícola’s genesis is rooted in São Paulo’s rapid 20th-century urban expansion. Originally intended as the headquarters of Banco Banespa, the building’s location—then considered peripheral to the financial district—prompted a property exchange with the Santa Casa de Misericórdia, which became its owner (Wikipedia; Gazeta SP). Designed by Elisário Bahiana, the edifice was completed in 1939, reflecting both the city’s ambitions and the influences shaping its commercial core (Metropoles).

The Legacy of João Brícola

João Brícola (1853–1914), an Italian-Brazilian philanthropist and banker, left a lasting impact on São Paulo through his charitable works and financial acumen. Upon his passing, half of his estate—including multiple properties—was bequeathed to Santa Casa de Misericórdia, an act commemorated in the building’s name and in Rua João Brícola nearby. The original Palacete Brícola, his residence, once stood at Praça Antônio Prado before being replaced by the Altino Arantes Building (B3 JB Building).

Architecture and Construction

Occupying a 1,245 m² plot and rising 14 stories, Edifício João Brícola stands opposite the Theatro Municipal, integrating seamlessly with the city’s historic and cultural district (São Paulo Secreto). The building’s design, tailored to large-scale retail, featured robust construction and flexible layouts, pioneering the department store model in Brazil (Blog HMVA).

Notable Architectural Features

Elegant façade with green iron doors, gold moldings, and bas-relief coins symbolizing Brazilian currency history.
Spacious interiors designed for department store use, facilitating fluid customer movement and visually striking displays.
Proximity to cultural landmarks, adding to its urban resonance.

The Mappin Era

From 1939 to 1999, Edifício João Brícola was home to the Mappin department store, a trailblazer in Brazil’s retail sector. Mappin’s innovative approach—offering diverse goods across themed floors connected by escalators—redefined shopping in São Paulo, transforming the building into a bustling social and commercial hub (Wikipedia; Blog HMVA). The store’s success spurred development in the area, cementing the building as a symbol of modernization.

Decline and Adaptive Reuse

Following Mappin’s closure, the building underwent periods of vacancy and hosted various retailers, including Extra and Casas Bahia. These transitions were marked by challenges, such as high rental costs and shifting commercial dynamics, leading to intermittent closures (São Paulo Secreto). In 2019, it was acquired by São Carlos Empreendimentos e Participações (SCEP), and in 2023 it was sold to Sesc São Paulo (Gazeta SP; Metropoles).

Heritage Status

Recognized for its historical and cultural significance, Edifício João Brícola was officially listed as a heritage site in 1992 by the São Paulo City Council’s preservation body (B3 JB Building). This status has ensured the building’s ongoing conservation and adaptation for public use, safeguarding its architectural integrity and collective memory (Blog HMVA).

Sesc Transformation and Future Vision

Sesc’s Acquisition and Vision

In 2024, Sesc acquired the building for R$71 million, aiming to transform it into its administrative headquarters and a vibrant cultural center (Papo Imobiliário). The renovation balances the preservation of Art Deco features with modern standards of accessibility, safety, and sustainability.

Museum and Cultural Spaces

A museum honoring Sesc’s nearly 80-year legacy will occupy the ground and first floors, featuring interactive exhibits, digital installations, and accessible resources. The ground floor café and open public spaces will welcome both locals and visitors, further integrating the building into the city’s cultural circuit.

Administrative Headquarters

The upper floors will host Sesc’s central offices, consolidating staff and fostering collaboration in a modern, flexible workspace.

Timeline

Renovation is projected for completion by 2027, with phased openings of museum and public areas to engage the community throughout the process.

Practical Information for Visitors

Visiting Hours

Current Status: The building is under renovation as of 2025. Public access is limited, but phased openings of museum and ground floor spaces are planned ahead of full completion.
Expected Hours: Upon opening, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed on Mondays for maintenance.

Tickets and Admission

General Admission: Free entry to museum and public spaces, in line with Sesc’s policy of accessibility.
Special Events: Some workshops or performances may require registration or tickets via Sesc’s official platform.

Accessibility

Facilities: Ramps, elevators, tactile flooring, audio guides, and multilingual signage are being incorporated for comprehensive accessibility.
Public Transit: Located near São Bento metro station; multiple bus lines and pedestrian routes serve the area.

Photography

Permitted: Photography is generally allowed in public spaces. Restrictions may apply for exhibitions or events.

Safety Tips

Advice: While the district is increasingly revitalized, remain alert to personal belongings and avoid isolated areas after dark (Folha2).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There: São Bento metro station and several bus routes offer easy access.
Nearby Attractions: Theatro Municipal, Praça Ramos de Azevedo, Farol Santander, Edifício Martinelli, Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, and Rua 25 de Março are all within walking distance (Lonely Planet).
Dining: The surrounding district features a variety of cafes and restaurants representing São Paulo’s diverse gastronomy.

FAQs

Q: What are the visiting hours for Edifício João Brícola?
A: The building is currently under renovation. Upon reopening, it is expected to be open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Admission to public areas and the museum will be free; some special events may require advance booking.

Q: Is the building accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, comprehensive accessibility features are being incorporated.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Photography is allowed in most public areas; specific rules may apply for exhibitions.

Q: How do I get there?
A: The building is centrally located near São Bento metro station, with multiple bus and pedestrian routes.

Conclusion

Edifício João Brícola is a living testament to São Paulo’s historical depth, architectural innovation, and cultural resilience. From its origins and philanthropic legacy, through its heyday as the home of Mappin, to its future as a Sesc cultural and administrative hub, the building continues to define and enrich the city’s urban identity. As its transformation unfolds, visitors can anticipate an inclusive, engaging, and meaningful experience that bridges São Paulo’s past and future.

For updates on visiting hours, guided tours, and special events, download the Audiala app and follow Sesc’s official channels. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in São Paulo’s history by exploring Edifício João Brícola and its vibrant surroundings.