São Paulo’s Portuguese Language Museum to reopen to the public on Sunday

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Located in Estação da Luz, a late 19th century train station built in the heart of São Paulo, the museum was destroyed by a fire in December 2015. Reconstruction works were completed yesterday, July 29.

Some R$85 (US$17) million from several private donors and from the São Paulo state government and the federal government were invested in the reconstruction works through the federal Rouanet Law offering tax subsidies for cultural projects. Works began in 2017 and were monitored by federal, state, and municipal agencies for the protection of historical and artistic heritage.

New spaces

The reconstruction has introduced new spaces to the original project signed by architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha (1928-2021). Among the new interventions is a terrace overlooking the Jardim da Luz and the clock tower, the station’s symbol.

A reference center for Portuguese language studies was also created, to host forums and bring researchers together.

The museum has maintained the concept of immersive and interactive exhibitions, with content developed with the collaboration of linguists, scholars and artists from Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries.

Among the prominent names are musician José Miguel Wisnik, authors José Eduardo Agualusa, Mia Couto, Marcelino Freire, and Antônio Risério, slammer Roberta Estrela D’Alva, and documentary filmmaker Carlos Nader.

Safety protocols

Reopening will occur in accordance with safety protocols to prevent the spread of Covid-19, with prior scheduling of visits and public restriction. Visitors will also be provided with a special pen to interact with the videos and games using touch screen technology.

In addition to its educational mission, the institution also focuses on dialogue with the neighborhood, according to executive director Renata Motta.

“The building has been beautifully restored, with new spaces available, a café and a store, and also a hall with a cultural program that interacts with the different audiences in the surrounding areas,” Motta said.

Source: Agência Brasil