BMA (Biblioteca Mário de Andrade), the first and largest public library in the capital of São Paulo, celebrates 101 years of history this Wednesday, February 25th.
Originally founded in 1925 as the Municipal Public Library, the institution — which in 1960 was renamed in honor of the writer who immortalized the capital in his work — prepared a morning of free celebrations for the public in the Rubens Borba de Moraes Auditorium.
Cultural pillar of Terra da Garoa
Anyone walking along the sidewalk You cannot imagine the grandeur of the cultural heritage stored behind its walls. What is now a landmark in downtown São Paulo began modestly: opened in 1925 as the Municipal Library of São Paulo, its first headquarters occupied a large house on Rua 7 de Abril, a few blocks away.
However, the rapid growth of the collection required a space to match its importance, leading to the construction of today’s iconic building.
The mission of designing the new headquarters was handed over to the renowned French architect Jacques Pilon. Based in Brazil since childhood and established in São Paulo from 1934, Pilon had an almost intimate connection with the region, living just one block from the project, in the São Luís Building.
His architectural vision helped transform BMA into a symbol, consolidating it as one of the country’s main intellectual centers.
Currently, the library boasts a monumental collectionincluding bibliographic rarities that attract researchers from all over the world. For the general public, the institution maintains around 60 thousand volumes available for loan, reaffirming its fundamental role in democratizing access to reading.
Among its greatest treasures are the collections of arts, maps and periodicals, which total approximately 350 thousand books and 11 thousand titles of historical magazines and newspapers.
To adapt to the demands of the 21st century, the hotel underwent a profound renovation that began in 2007, focused on structural modernization and expansion of living areas.
Reopened in 2011, the renovation brought new air to the institution, with emphasis on the corridor facing Rua da Consolação — a space that became a favorite refuge for downtown visitors and workers during their lunch break, combining the preservation of the past with the pulsating life of the metropolis.
Music, art and literature mark 101st birthday party
To celebrate the centenary milestone, the commemorative program starts early, at 9:30 am, with a musical reception at the entrance of the building, led by the “Kombi do DJ” from Boate Oneyda Alvarenga, under the command of DJ Gudera.
The highlight of the festivities takes place at 10am, with the official anniversary ceremony. Right after the ceremony, the Chamber Group of the Municipal Symphony Orchestra takes the stage for a special concert.
With Cecilia Moita on the piano and Andrea Vilella on the flute, the duo will perform a classical repertoire composed of works by Handel, Beethoven, Weber and Dvořák, combining the house’s literary tradition with the excellence of classical music. Check out the full schedule at
