Galeria Prestes Maia

Galeria Prestes Maia is an art gallery spanning three floors within the Anhangabaú Valley, covering approximately 6,000 square meters of space. The building holds multiple exhibition areas and features an underground passage connecting two different parts of the city.

The building opened in 1940 under Mayor Francisco Prestes Maia as part of urban modernization efforts. The underground passage that connects through it later received public escalators, introducing a first-of-its-kind infrastructure feature to the city.

This gallery serves as a social gathering place in central São Paulo where art lovers and pedestrians encounter contemporary and traditional works. The space reflects how the city values cultural expression and brings together visitors from different neighborhoods.

The building connects two different city areas through an underground passage, making it easily accessible as you move between neighborhoods. The underground section offers shelter from rain and is well-lit, creating a comfortable space for visiting and moving through the building.

Inside the gallery is an 18th century nativity scene from Naples that originally came from a religious art collection. This rare piece displays traditional Italian craftsmanship and is carefully preserved within the building.