Sao Paulo Cultural Centre

Welcome to the Centro Cultural São Paulo, or CCSP, as it is affectionately known to locals. Located directly above the Vergueiro Metro station, this is perhaps the most democratic and diverse public space in the entire city. …

As you enter, take a moment to admire the sheer scale and transparency of the architecture. The use of large glass panels and open floor plans was a revolutionary choice in the early 1980s. …

The CCSP houses some of the city's most important public libraries, including the Sérgio Milliet Library, the second-largest in São Paulo. As you walk through these levels, you will notice hundreds of people—mostly…

Perhaps the most famous feature of the CCSP isn't found in its theaters, but in its corridors. At almost any hour, you will see groups of young people practicing complex dance routines in front of the reflective glass panels. …

Head up to the top level to find the 'Jardins Suspensos' or hanging gardens. This is a series of interconnected terraces and lawns built directly onto the roof of the concrete structure. …

Beneath the surface, the CCSP houses several theaters, a cinema, and a concert hall. The programming here is incredibly diverse, ranging from avant-garde experimental theater to traditional Brazilian music concerts. …

Finally, we must acknowledge the building's physical integration with the Metro Vergueiro station. You can walk directly from the metro platforms into the cultural center. …

As we conclude our tour of the Centro Cultural São Paulo, take one last look at the ramps and the glass towers reflected in its windows. We have explored a space that is the ultimate 'living room' of the city, a place where…