Musicians José Miguel Wisnik, Tiganá Santana and Zahy Tentehar headline a free concert marking the 20th anniversary of São Paulo’s Museum of the Portuguese Language.
The Museum of the Portuguese Language (Museu da Língua Portuguesa) turns 20 in March 2026 with a month-long program of cinema, poetry slams, guided tours, a free concert and a dance workshop. Since opening on March 21, 2006, the institution has welcomed more than 5.3 million visitors inside the historic Estação da Luz building in downtown São Paulo.
Free cinema kicks off the celebrations
The festivities begin on March 5 with a special screening by Luz na Tela, the Museum’s free film program. The shorts Uterus and Queria Ser um Pássaro (I Wanted to Be a Bird), directed by Thais Carvalho in partnership with the Coletivo Mulheres da Luz, give voice to women in prostitution situations in the Luz neighborhood. Both films stem from the Pop Rua Festival, held in 2023 and 2025 alongside Sesc Bom Retiro.
The same session includes the premiere of a mini-documentary about the Pop Rua Festival, produced by Mangueio Filmes, Cine Fluxo and Trim Produções. Screening starts at 7 PM in the Auditorium, free of charge.
Open-mic poetry night
On March 7, from 5 PM, journalist and host Roberta Martinelli leads a special edition of the Sarau no Museu (Museum Poetry Slam) on the Museum’s rooftop terrace, overlooking the Estação da Luz clock tower. Guest artists include singers, poets and composers Luna Vitrolira, BUHR and Maria Beraldo. The microphone will be open to the public.
Guided tours with curators and collectives
Throughout the month, visitors can join special guided tours of the main exhibition led by people who work behind the scenes. On March 7 at 10 AM, curator Isa Grinspum Ferraz leads the walk. On March 14 at 10 AM, Majoí Gongora and Hekeré Terena take over. On March 21 at 1 PM, Danee Alves Amorim of the Coletivo Tem Sentimento guides the group.
On March 21 and 22, Museum educators will lead tours through areas of the historic building not usually open to the public, with thematic highlights such as the Palavras Cruzadas experience.
Anniversary concert on March 21
The highlight of the celebrations falls on the anniversary date itself. From 12:15 PM, musicians José Miguel Wisnik, Tiganá Santana and João Camarero perform at the Praça da Língua, celebrating the richness of Brazilian Portuguese through music, with special guest Zahy Tentehar. Entry is free, subject to capacity.
Later that afternoon, from 4 PM, the Central Hall of Estação da Luz hosts a passinho dance workshop led by collective NGKS, in dialogue with the temporary exhibition FUNK: A Cry of Boldness and Freedom, on view until August.
Funk, rap and urban culture
Featuring 473 works — paintings, photographs and audiovisual records — FUNK: A Cry of Boldness and Freedom traces the genre from its roots in African American music through Rio de Janeiro’s baile black scene to its distinct São Paulo identity. Originally conceived by the Rio Art Museum (MAR), the show is curated by Taísa Machado, Dom Filó, Amanda Bonan, Marcelo Campos and Renata Prado. Recommended age: 14+.
On March 28 at noon, rapper Clara Lima performs As Ruas Sabem (The Streets Know) in the Central Hall, exploring themes of identity, resistance and artistic creation. The show is part of Plataforma Conexões, whose 2026 theme is Urban Cultures.
Visitor information
Museum of the Portuguese Language – 20th Anniversary
Praça da Luz, s/n – Luz – São Paulo
Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM – 4:30 PM (visitors may stay until 6 PM)
R$ 25 (full price); R$ 12.50 (half price)
Free for children up to 7 years old
Free on Saturdays and Sundays
Access through Gate A
Tickets at the box office and at https://bileto.sympla.com.br/event/90834/d/299723
Photo: Disclosure, José de Holanda, Nilton Fukuda, Wellington Almeida
