Front cover of the first issue of A Scena Muda magazine from 1921

Lasar Segall Museum

Lasar Segall Museum: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Guide to São Paulo’s Modernist Landmark

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the culturally vibrant Vila Mariana district of São Paulo, the Lasar Segall Museum (Museu Lasar Segall) stands as a testament to Brazil’s modernist heritage and the legacy of Lithuanian-born Jewish artist Lasar Segall. Housed in Segall’s former home and studio—an architectural gem by Gregori Warchavchik, a pioneer of Brazilian modernism—the museum offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore both the evolution of modern art in Brazil and the rich personal journey of Segall himself. With a collection exceeding 3,000 works, educational programming, and a deep commitment to accessibility, the museum is a must-visit for art lovers, students, and cultural explorers. This guide provides a detailed overview of the museum’s history, architecture, collection highlights, visitor services, and nearby attractions, ensuring you have all the information needed for a rewarding visit.

For deeper insights, visit the museum’s official website and partnered cultural resources (Google Arts & Culture, Tourb, Museu Lasar Segall - Acervo Digital).

Contents Overview

Introduction
Historical and Architectural Context
The Lasar Segall Collection: Highlights
The Museum’s Cultural and Educational Role
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Directions and Nearby Attractions
FAQ
Conclusion and Recommendations
References

Historical and Architectural Context

Lasar Segall: Artistic Journey and Legacy

Lasar Segall (1889–1957), born in Vilnius, Lithuania, began his artistic education at the Drawing Academy of Master Antokolski before studying in Berlin and Dresden, where he was shaped by German Expressionism and became a founding member of the Dresdner Secession Group (Google Arts & Culture, Encyclopedia.com). His first visit to Brazil in 1912 led to pivotal exhibitions that introduced modernist art to the country (Pesquisa FAPESP). After permanently relocating to Brazil in 1923, Segall’s work increasingly reflected local themes—social inequality, migration, and the Brazilian landscape—while retaining a strong sense of European modernist influence (Morasha).

The Museum’s Foundation and Mission

The house at Rua Berta 111, designed in 1932 by Gregori Warchavchik, served as Segall’s home and creative studio until his death. In 1967, Segall’s widow Jenny Klabin Segall and their sons transformed the residence into a museum to preserve and publicize his legacy (Google Arts & Culture). Today, the museum is an official unit of the Instituto Brasileiro de Museus (IBRAM), committed to accessibility, research, and community engagement.

Architectural Significance

The building itself is a landmark of early Brazilian modernism. Warchavchik’s design features clean geometric lines, flat roofs, large windows, and an integration with the surrounding garden—hallmarks of modernist architecture (etel.design). The adaptation from residence to museum maintained original spatial qualities while adding infrastructure for conservation and accessibility. The museum stands as a rare example of domestic modernist architecture and is significant in the context of São Paulo’s avant-garde movement (Tourb).

The Lasar Segall Collection: Highlights

Paintings, Drawings, and Prints

The museum’s collection spans Segall’s entire career and includes:

Over 400 paintings: Key works include “Eternos Caminhantes” (1919), “Navio de Emigrantes” (1939–41), and “Bananal” (1927), reflecting themes of migration, social struggle, and Brazilian landscapes.
Around 2,000 drawings: These offer insight into Segall’s creative process, covering preparatory studies, portraits, and urban/rural scenes.
Over 400 prints: Notably the “Mangue” series (1943), which exposes the realities of Rio de Janeiro’s marginalized communities through woodcuts and linocuts (Encyclopedia.com).

Sculpture and Archival Materials

Sculptures: Around 30 pieces in bronze and terracotta, such as “Cabeça de Mulher” (1935), emphasize themes of identity and resilience.
Photographic and documentary archives: The museum preserves Segall’s correspondence, exhibition records, and a photographic archive, including letters from Kandinsky, Klee, and others (Pesquisa FAPESP).

Special Exhibitions and Digital Access

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary artists and thematic explorations of Segall’s influence. A digital catalog and virtual tours are available for remote visitors (Museu Lasar Segall - Acervo Digital).

The Museum’s Cultural and Educational Role

Education and Public Engagement

The museum is renowned for its educational outreach and public programming (royal-academy-production-asset.s3.amazonaws.com). Offerings include:

Guided tours in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, tailored for schools, families, and adult learners.
Workshops in engraving, photography, and creative writing.
Lectures and seminars on Brazilian modernism and social themes.
Community engagement: Programs addressing migration, identity, and inclusion, with tactile guides, audio descriptions, and sign language interpretation to foster accessibility.

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last admission at 5:30 PM)
Closed: Mondays and public holidays

Tickets and Admission

General Admission: BRL 20
Reduced Admission: BRL 10 (students, seniors)
Free Entry: Saturdays and for children under 12
Purchase: At the museum or online (official museum website)

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible with ramps and adapted restrooms
Tactile guides, audio descriptions, and sign language for select programs

Amenities

Bookstore and café integrated into the architectural design
Photography: Non-flash photography permitted in most areas; flash, tripods, and professional equipment require prior authorization

Directions and Nearby Attractions

Getting There

Address: Rua Berta, 111, Vila Mariana, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Public Transit: 10-minute walk from Ana Rosa Metro Station (Lines 1 and 2)
Parking: Limited on-site; public transport recommended

Nearby Cultural Sites

Ibirapuera Park: Expansive green space for relaxation
São Paulo Museum of Modern Art (MAM): Located inside Ibirapuera Park
Museu de Arte Contemporânea and Casa das Rosas: Other modernist and contemporary art institutions nearby

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Lasar Segall Museum’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Mondays and holidays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: BRL 20 general, BRL 10 reduced; free on Saturdays and for children under 12.

Q: Is the museum accessible to visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, with wheelchair access, tactile guides, and audio descriptions.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages; book in advance.

Q: Can I take photographs inside the museum?
A: Non-flash photography is allowed in most areas; tripods and flash require authorization.

Q: How do I get there by public transport?
A: Take the São Paulo Metro to Ana Rosa station; the museum is a 10-minute walk away.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Lasar Segall Museum offers a rich, immersive experience that fuses art, architecture, and history. It stands as a living legacy of modernism—both through Segall’s profound body of work and the modernist architecture of Gregori Warchavchik. The museum’s active educational outreach, commitment to accessibility, and vibrant cultural programming ensure that Segall’s influence remains relevant for all audiences.

When planning your visit to São Paulo, be sure to include the Lasar Segall Museum in your itinerary. Take advantage of guided tours, join a workshop, explore the digital archive, and enjoy the tranquil gardens and thoughtfully designed spaces. Combine your visit with other nearby cultural sites for a comprehensive exploration of the city’s artistic heritage.

For regular updates, ticketing, and special events, visit the official Museu Lasar Segall website, and follow the museum on social media. Download the Audiala app for guided tours, exclusive content, and curated itineraries across São Paulo’s vibrant art scene.