Beneath the bleachers of São Paulo’s historic Estádio do Pacaembu (Pacaembu Stadium) you will find the legacy of soccer in Brazil at the Football Museum. The location is fitting: It was on this field that Brazil played one of its only home World Cup games. The stadium dates back to 1940, when it was inaugurated by the Brazilian president. Today, it attracts daily visitors keen to learn about the sport that has unified and divided a nation time and time again: soccer. A visit to the Soccer Museum reveals every aspect of Brazil’s illustrious soccer history, from World Cup victories to the on-field personalities behind them.
Walk through the main entrance and you’ll find yourself surrounded by posters from multiple decades. For many Brazilians this is the most nostalgic of the rooms, as most of the country’s great names have been immortalized in the giant images. For visitors to the city this is a great way to introduce yourself to the Brazilian teams and national stars. São Paulo’s Football Museum focuses on soccer within the nation, revealing much about Brazil’s culture in the process. See how the country adapted to the “beautiful game” after it was exported from Great Britain at the end of the 19th century.
Continue through the interactive museum to find a gallery dedicated to the World Cup. On large walls filled with dozens of televisions, you’ll be presented with the highs and lows of the Brazilian team’s efforts. See the triumphant moments of World Cup victories, most recently in 1994 and 2002. Visit the image gallery to see classic team action photos, many of which have adorned the front pages of Brazil’s most popular newspapers.
The Football Museum is located within the Pacaembu Stadium at the heart of the Pacaembu neighborhood. The museum is closed on Mondays and during games, and an admission fee applies. You can reach the museum by bus, metro or cab from downtown São Paulo. If you choose to drive there, parking outside the stadium is available for a fee.
