Timeline

Get to know the city´s timeline

2014

Opening of Arena Corinthians; which was built to host FIFA World Cup 2014

Panoramic photo of the Arena Corinthians depicts the rectangular shape construction in light gray color, with almost open coverage, in a metallic structure. The large bleachers are constructed with precast concrete elements, located to the north, southeast and west, with armchairs arranged side by side in a row. The goal is north and south. In the central part is the vertically striped lawn in two shades of green. In the background, the covered VIP area.

Arena Corinthians. Photo: José Cordeiro/ SPTuris.

FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The stadium in Itaquera hosted seven games, among them South Korea vs. Belgium – which had over 61 thousand people in attendance.

2007

Pope Benedict XVI’s visit from May 9^th to 13^th; when he performed a mass at Campo de Marte for over 1 million people.

In the first plane, several men walking. To the right, 2 cardinals. In the center, the Pope in his white robes flanked by two men in dark suit. Behind, the front of a large helicopter.

Photo: Alexandre Diniz/SPTuris.

2006

Foundation of Museu da Língua Portuguesa, one of the most visited in Brazil (currently undergoing renovation).

Facade all lit by yellow lights. Building with 3 floors. On the first floor, there are numerous wide doors, with rounded tops. On the upper 2 floors, end-to-end windows imitate the design of the doors. On the right side, from the 3rd floor, a tower rises with a large clock on each of its faces

Museu da Língua Portuguesa, at Luz Station. Photo: José Cordeiro/ SPTuris.

2004

The City Hall headquarters moves from Palácio das Indústrias to Edifício Matarazzo.

Facade of a very wide building of light color, with dozens of windows side by side. At the top, stands a large garden, with many trees on the left and a helipad on the right. In the ground line, a tree-lined square and part of an avenue quite congested by cars. Behind the building, several commercial buildings. All under a very blue sky without clouds.

Matarazzo Building. Photo: José Cordeiro/ SPTuris.

2002

Renovation and conclusion of the Catedral da Sé towers.

In the first plane, on both sides of the image, a row with very high imperial palms. In the center and in the background, cathedral neogothic style in shades of light gray. The facade, with a main portal and a large rose window, is flanked by two tall towers, both with a pointed ceiling, light green and very high.

Current Catedral da Sé. Photo: José Cordeiro/ SPTuris.

2001

Inauguration of Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, in April 21^st 2001, aiming at change the way locals used to handle the so-called Old Downtown.

Facade of the building in dark gray, light and white. In the center, a very wide and tall door with worked iron edges. At the top, sign with the words "BANCO DO BRASIL S.A.". Above, a window with a rounded top. Between the 1st and 2nd floor, a type of concrete coat of arms on an eaves, all ornamented in the upper and lower part, brings in the center the letters "BB" superposed and in relief.

Entrance of CCBB. Photo: Acervo Estadão.

1999

Inauguration of Centro Cultural Julio Prestes, where Sala São Paulo is located. The concert room has 1498 seats available and it’s the home of Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo (Osesp).

Great concert hall. In the lower rows with hundreds of armchairs with light wood back, arranged in 3 blocks, the middle one being 3 times larger than the later blocks, all separated by light-colored corridors. Next to the walls, 3 rows of side armchairs to the stage arranged in 3 levels. In front of the armchairs, stands a stage in light wood with dozens of musical instruments. In the background, another 3 blocks with rows of armchairs. Above, on the level of a 2nd floor, 3 boxes decorated in light wood on each side with several armchairs. Above, another set of cabins. Still on the sides, further back, walls adorned by several columns lit by strong white light. In the very high ceiling, there are numerous square wooden structures, in the form of boxes, arranged in rows with decreasing height, whose function is to improve the acoustics of the place.

Sala São Paulo. Foto: José Cordeiro/ SPTuris.

1991

Sambódromo do Anhembi is inaugurated and has its first parade, projected by architect Oscar Niemeyer.

Black and white photo of construction site. In the first plan, workers are working on the construction of the future Samba Passarela. In the background, the first columns of the stands are erected, along the track.

Construction of Sambódromo do Anhembi. Photo: Acervo SPTuris.

1987

Beginning of the Memorial da América Latina construction, a cultural project of Darcy Ribeiro and architecture of Oscar Niemeyer.

Black photo in white. In the first plane, image of the architect Oscar Niemeyer, of back, observing his work in the distance. To the bottom and to the left, a large curved walkway. In the center, the concrete sculpture of a huge open hand pointing to the sky, with the map of Latin America drawn on the palm and wrist. On the right, the first structures of the Memorial.

Memorial da América Latina was opened on March 18th 1989. Photo: Acervo Estadão.

1984

“Diretas Já” demonstration takes place at Praça da Sé.

Aerial photo of Praça da Sé and surroundings, totally crowded by hundreds of thousands of demonstrators, who carry banner and posters. On the upper side of the square stands the grandiose cadetral of the Cathedral. On the right side are several commercial buildings, some of them very old.

Diretas Já at Praça da Sé. Photo: divulgação.

1982

On May 8^th 1982, Bus Terminal Tietê is inaugurated, one of the busiest in the world.

Black and white photo, from the top of one of the platforms of the Bus Terminal, crowded by thousands of people.

Bus Terminal Tietê. Photo: Acervo Estadão.

1974

Beginning of Subway operations.

Black and white photo. To the right a construction site, a huge excavated area well below street level, where are some trucks and workers. To the left, sidewalk with some pedestrians. Dozens of buildings in the background.

Construction site at subway station São Bento – 1972. Photo: Camerindo Ferreira Máximo.

1971

Inauguration of Elevado Costa e Silva, popularly known as Minhocão, in January 1971, after a building record for such a big construction work: one year and a half.

Black and white photo. In the center, quite long, stands out the elevated track of two concrete runways, with works in the final phase. On both sides, placed to each other, several buildings very close to the walls of the road.

Construction of Minhocão. Photo: Acervo Estadão.

1968

The current MASP building is opened in Avenida Paulista, with the presence of Queen Elizabeth II, from England.

Queen Elizabeth at Masp’s inauguration. Photo: Acervo Estadão.

1965

Itália building is inaugurated, with the nicest panoramic view of the city.

Black and white photo of the top of the building. Part of the terrace with rounded protective wall. Some white chairs and tables with umbrellas. At one of the tables, two men in dark suits are seated. On the sides, 2 small triangular gardens with rocks and some shrubs. In the background, first stand out the top floors and top of the iconic Copan Building, with its revolutionary design in the form of an elongated S-letter. Further down, the city skyline is slightly shrouded in mist.

Itália building. Foto: Acervo Estadão.

1956

Estádio do Canindé is inaugurated, one of the first stadiums in São Paulo.

High photo, in black and white. Bleachers in concrete in the shape of a large circle, with some workers scattered. In the center, empty soccer field. On the sides of the field, plus two concrete bleacher structures in the process of finishing. The stadium's surroundings still feature large construction sites.

Canindé in 1972. Photo: Acervo Estadão

1954

The Monumento às Bandeiras was inaugurated in 1954, alongside with Ibirapuera Park, in celebration to the IV Centenary of the city of São Paulo.

Black and white image. The monument has about 11 meters of total height by 9 meters of width and 44 meters of depth, all made in granite. From left to right, in the front, 2 men riding horses side by side. Behind them, there is a group of men pulling a canoe, which is also pushed from behind by a few more men.

Monument in tribute to the Bandeiras, 1954. Photo: Benedito Junqueira Duarte.

1953

The Companhia Teatro de Arena was founded in 1953, with the premiere of the Museu de Arte Moderna de São Paulo rooms. In 1955, Companhia becomes Teatro de Arena, with its headquarters in Rua Teodoro Bayma, 94.

Black and white photo, diagonal theater facade. Building of 2 floors in rectangular format. On the ground floor, entrance door with a large plaque at the top, with the words "Arena Theater". On the upper floor, large glass window with metal frame, from end to end. On the left side, at the level of the top floor, a large vertical plaque with the words "Theater of" in smaller letters and "Arena" in large letters. In front of the theater, to a street where a man walks.

Outside of Teatro de Arena on the 1950s. Photo: Acervo Funarte.

1951

The 1ª Bienal Internacional de São Paulo happens in the city.

Black and white image. Facade of a building with 1 floor all white and quite wide, occupying more than half a block. On the left side, with large letters in high relief, is written "1st BIENNIAL".

Outside View of the 1ª Bienal’s Pavillion. Photo: Divulgação

1948

Creation of Museu de Arte Moderna de São Paulo – MAM (Modern Art Museum).

Black and white diagonal photo of the facade of the museum. Building with 2 floors. The lower floor, with a very high right foot, is shorter than the upper floor. It features large glass windows framed by rounded metal structures that go from floor to ceiling and across the building. It has several columns in the form of a large letter V, from the floor to the upper floor slab, whose facade is also covered by large glass windows framed by rounded metal structures from floor to ceiling and from side to side.

MAM in the 1950s. Photo: Acervo Estado de São Paulo.

1947

The Altino Arantes building is founded by governor Ademar de Barros, in June 27^th.

Edifício Altino Arantes in the early 1950s.

1940

On May 12^th, the Autódromo de Interlagos is opened with the São Paulo Grand Prix race.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXPwM2xwXIQ

Starting line São Paulo Grand Prix, 1940.

1938

Viaduto do Chá is inaugurated.

Viaduto do Chá in 1945. Photo: Postal Colombo

1936

Inauguration of Congonhas Airport, in April of 1936. On the 1950s, the airport was one of the busiest of the world in air cargo volume.

Airview from Congonhas Airport. Photo: Acervo Estadão.

1934

On January 25^th, Universidade de São Paulo (USP) is founded.

First Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas building, at Maria Antônia Street. Photo: Erasmo Garcia Mendes.

1933

Mercado Municipal is inaugurated, replacing the old Mercado Central.

Mercado Municipal in 1950. Photo: São Paulo Antiga.

1932

In 9 of July, there is the Revolução Constitucionalista (Constitutional Revolution).

Constitutional Revolution

1929

Edifício Martinelli is inaugurated; it was idealized by Italian Giuseppe Martinelli and began constructions in 1924.

Edifício Martinelli in construction (1925-1927). Photo: Aurélio Becherini.

1925

The city’s first public library is founded – Biblioteca Mário de Andrade.

Biblioteca Mário de Andrade. Photo: Postal Colombo.

1924

Beginning of bus circulation on the city of São Paulo.

Empresa Paulista de ônibus Mooca buses, at their foundation day, on 1934. Photo: Ônibus Brasil.

1922

Semana de Arte Moderna (Modern Art Week) at Theatro Municipal.

Participants of Semana de Arte Moderna: From left to right: Couto de Barros, Manuel Bandeira, Mário de Andrade, Paulo Prado, René Thiollier, Graça Aranha, Manuel Villaboim, Gofredo Silva Telles, Cândido Mota Filho, Rubens Borba de Moraes, Luís Aranha, Tácito de Almeida and Oswald de Andrade.

1920

The city’s first airport is founded, Aeroporto Campo de Marte.

Campo de Marte on the 1930s. Photo: icg.sp.gov.br.

Founding of the Penitentiary Complex of Carandiru.

View of the first pavilion of Casa de Detenção do Complexo Penitenciário Carandiru – 1950s Photo: Acervo Estado de São Paulo.

1913

Beginning of the construction of Catedral da Sé; a project elaborated by German Architecture Professor of Escola Politécnica Maximilian Emil Hehl.

Catedral da Sé in construction, 1954. Photo: Acervo Estadão.

1911

The Theatro Municipal is opened to public on September 12^th.

Theatro Municipal. Photo: divulgação.

1905

The Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo is opened, the city’s first art museum.

Pinacoteca do Estado, at Jardim da Luz, Downtown. Photo: Acervo Estadão.

1901

Official opening of the city’s first stadium, the Velódromo Paulistano, on October 19^th with a game between Paulistas and Cariocas.

Location of the old Velódromo Paulista 1919.

Inauguration of Estação da Luz, project inspired on London’s Westminster Abbey, on March 1st.

Old Estação da Luz – 1880-1900. Photo: Pedro Hoenen.

The building that hosted the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios gave place to the Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo.

The current Estação da Luz building was constructed between 1895 and 1901. Photo: Acervo Estado de São Paulo.

1900

Electric illumination and streetcars are inaugurated.

Electric Streetcars. Foto: Folha Press.

1899

São Paulo’s govern builds a laboratory for the production of serum to fight against a Bubonic Plague outburst. The place later would become Instituto Butantan, in 1901.

Serum preparation – 1953 – Photo: Gabriel Zellaui.

1896

On August 7^th 1896, the first private film projection occurs in São Paulo. On the 8^th, there is the first public and paid exhibition, nearby the old Catedral da Sé, with Renouleau’s cinematographer.

Fuente: Acervo Estadão.

1895

The Museu Paulista (Museu do Ipiranga) is inaugurated in September 7^th, 1895.

Museu Paulista. Photo: Acervo da Prefeitura de São Paulo.

1892

Viaduto do Chá is created, with wooden constructions. It gets this name due to its proximity to the tea plantation of Índia.

Viaduto do Chá and Vale do Anhangabaú – 1896. Photo: Hagop Garagem/ divulgação.

1891

Avenida Paulista is opened; formed by the high coffee aristocracy and industrial bourgeoisie.

Avenida Paulista in 1902. Photo: Acervo Instituto Moreira Salles.

1890

In August 23^rd 1890, São Paulo’s stock market was created – Bovespa, by a group of business agents led by Emílio Rangel Pestana.

Bovespa. Photo: Divulgação BM&F Bovespa.

1872

The city gets the services of sewer, water supplying, gas illumination, besides horsecar lines. The Companhia Carris de Ferro creates the first collective transportation: mulecars tramway service.

Mulecar – 1875. Photo: Acervo Fotográfico do Museu da Cidade de São Paulo.

1867

São Paulo’s first railway is opened – the Estrada de Ferro Santos-Jundiaí, by the English company São Paulo Railway, to transport the coffee produced from Jundiaí to Campinas, to the port of Santos, which would become the main outlet of the coffee production.

Estrada de Ferro Santos-Jundiaí. Photo: Cartão Postal do acervo do professor e pesquisador Francisco Carballa.

1858

The first Public Cemetery is inaugurated in Rua da Consolação.

Inauguration of the Monument to Sadi Carnot at Cemitério da Consolação – 1894. Photo: Hagop garagem/ Release.

1827

By determination of the Emperor, the Academia de Direito do Largo de São Francisco (law school) is created.

Faculdade de Direito – 1975. Photo: Edison Pacheco Aquino.

1822

At the riverside of Rio Ipiranga, D. Pedro I proclaims Brazilian Independence and the city of São Paulo becomes Administrative Headquarters of the Province.

Independência ou Morte Painting. Artist: Pedro Américo.

1711

Dom João VI, through a royal letter, elevates the Vila de São Paulo de Piratininga to the status of city – in July 11^th, 1711.

Letter document that elevates the village to the status of city. Photo: Câmara Municipal de São Paulo/ Acervo Histórico.

1709

Dom João V establishes the Capitania de São Paulo.

Map of the Capitanias Hereditárias. Photo: Biblioteca da Ajuda.

1674

The Bandeiras (expeditions) of Fernão Dias Pais Leme are formed.

Illustration of the route of the Bandeiras.

1634

The Benedictines arrived in the city in 1598 and in 1634 the Abbey and the Chapel dedicated to São Bento (Saint Benedict) was created.

Old Church and Monastery of São Bento built in 1598. Photo: Postal Card – Carlos Cornejo – João Emílio Gerodetti.

1591

The first version of Igreja da Sé is established. It was Cacique Tibiriçá who chose the place where the city’s first temple would be found.

First Version of Catedral da Sé – 1591.

1560

São Paulo is elevated to the status of village and the Câmara Municipal is created.

Village around Pateo do Collegio.

1554

The city of São Paulo was established in January 25^th, 1554; when Companhia de Jesus conducted the first mass at Pateo do Collegio. The main representatives were Manoel da Nóbrega, José de Anchieta and Manoel de Paiva. The Jesuits, who had the purpose of converting and transmitting their teachings to the settlers, created the site at Colégio de São Paulo de Piratininga.

Pateo do Collegio. Photo: Acervo Museu Paulista da USP.