Biennials

30th São Paulo Biennial
Chief curator:
Luis Pérez-Oramas
8 Sept. - 9 Dec. 2012

São Paulo Biennial

Exhibition venue

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The São Paulo Biennial was founded in 1951 upon the initiative of industrialist Francisco (Ciccillo) Matarazzo Sobrinho (1898-1977). It is the second oldest art biennial in the world after Venice (in existence since 1895), which serves as its role model.

Its initial aim was to make contemporary art (primarily from Western Europe and the USA) known in Brazil, push the country's access to the current art scene in other metropolis, and establish Sao Paulo itself as an international art center. Naturally, the biennial always serves to bring Brazilian art closer to foreign guests.

Since the 4th edition in 1957, the São Paulo Biennial has been held at the Pavilhão Ciccillo Matarazzo in the Parque do Ibirapuera. The pavilion was designed by a team lead by Oscar Niemeyer and Hélio Uchôa, and provides an exhibition space of 30,000 sqm.

As with its Venetian role model, São Paulo hosts national presentations as well as international exhibitions held under the direction of rotating chief curators.

In addition to the art biennial, an International
Biennial for Architecture and Design has been held since 1973.

Organizer, contact:

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29th Biennial, 2010
25 Sept. - 12 Dec. 2010
Chief curators: Moacir dos Anjos, Agnaldo Farias. 5 curators

28th Biennial, 2008
26 Oct. - 6 Dec. 2008
Artistic director:
Ivo Mesquita

27th Biennial, 2006
7 Oct. - 17 Dec. 2006
Chief curator:
Lisette Lagnado
Photo tour, information

26th Biennial, 2004
25 Sept. - 19 Dec.
Chief curator: Alfons Hug

25th Biennial, 2002
23 March - 2 June
Chief curator: Alfons Hug

24th Biennial, 1998
3 Oct. - 13 Dec.
Chief curator:
Paulo Herkenhoff

23rd Biennial, 1996
6 Oct. - 8 Dec.
Chief curator:
Nelson Aguilar

Biennials