Ibirapuera Park (São Paulo) (1)

A park of arts, architecture, shows and expositions

Today I decided to write about Ibirapuera Park, in São Paulo, because The Guardian listed it as one of the best city parks in the world. 

(http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/aug/07/10-best-parks-urban-green-spaces-high-line-new-york-hampstead-london-park-guell-barcelona)

In portuguese, the hotsite of the Park: http://www.parquedoibirapuera.com

A reason to be proud of the Park, indeed in a city where few are the green areas. 

Sorrounded by the noblest neighborhoods in the city, the Ibirapuera gets crowded on weekends, and during weekdays the park receives more people earlier in the morning or by nightfall. It is the heart of South Zone (Zona Sul), divinding the Jardins area from Itaim, Moema, Paraíso, Vila Mariana and Vila Nova Conceição.

Ibirapuera hosts some of Oscar Niemayer´s most famous buildings: the giant marquee, used by skaters and roller skaters, where is also the Museum of Modern Art (Museu de Arte Moderna, MAM), with its restaurant; the Oca, a big exposition space in the shape of the most typical construction of brazillian indigenous tribes; the Bienal building (http://www.bienal.org.br/), which hosts art expositions, notably the biennial of art, architecture and reading expos; the Museum of African and Brazillian art (Museu Afro Brasil - http://www.museuafrobrasil.org.br/) and the Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu de Arte Contemporânea, MAC). 

 Above: the pedestrian walkway from MAC to the Park. Behind the Park, Vila Nova Conceição and Itaim districts. 

 Above: the rectangular building is the Bienal, the round-rooftop building is the Oca, the building in the shape of an old photo Camera is the Auditorio Ibirapuera.

 Above: the obelisk, in the middle, and Paraíso and Jardins neighborhoods, right. 

Bienal expositions are generally so huge that one day is not enough to make it completely. 

MAC is outside the park, but it is linked by a pedestrian walkway over the 23 of May Avenue, one of the most important São Paulo´s highways. Atop MAC, an impressive view of the Park and its surrounding neighborhoods is a must-see (see further special topic on MAC and its collection). 

Most of these buildings are connected by the marquee, and surrounded by the Garden of the Sculptures (jardim das esculturas). The Auditorio do Ibirapuera (http://www.auditorioibirapuera.com.br/), a theater with a reversible stage, which can eighter be openned inside the building or outside the building, open to a large lawn, can provide indoor or outdoor shows.    

Frequently, international singers, bands and shows make presentations there, and the schedule is intense. But whenever walking the park, some of these art atractions will be open and ready for an interesting exposition or show - and most of them for free. 

Shows can be also performed at the Praça da Paz (Peace Square), more in the centre of the Park.