Next fall, Patrons of the MFA will embark on a spectacular 12-day adventure south of the equator to the vibrant nation of Brazil. Led by Jen Mergel, Beal Family Senior Curator of Contemporary Art; and Dennis Carr, Carolyn and Peter Lynch Curator of American Decorative Arts and Sculpture; explore facets of Brazil’s cultural landscape—from beautifully preserved relics of colonial architecture to sparkling temples of contemporary art.
The tour begins in Rio de Janeiro, where suites overlooking the famous Copacabana waterfront have been reserved. Enjoy visits to the city’s finest museums, including the Museu de Arte do Rio; Museo de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro; and the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói, each known not only for the quality of its collection but also for the bold architectural statement made by its building. Private collections, gallery tours, studio visits, and a special evening spent under sail on a private schooner on Guanabara Bay round out this four-day visit to Rio. The group then flies north, to the quiet city of Ouro Preto for a two-day visit. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ouro Preto is famous for its exquisitely preserved 18th-century baroque city center. The tour concludes with a four-day stay in São Paulo where travelers will explore cultural sites including world-class museums, private collections, and the 32nd annual Biennial de São Paulo. Capping off the program is a daylong excursion to the breathtaking Igauzu Falls, one of the great natural wonders of the world.