The color red is once again part of the Masp facade; see images

After approximately two months, the color red is returning to the facade of the São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand Museum of Art (Masp). The iconic museum building, located on Avenida Paulista, has been undergoing revitalization work since 2015.

In April, the four large pillars located on the outside of the building had their red color removed. During this period, the pilasters turned gray. At the time, the museum’s administration stated that the change would only be temporary and that the red would soon return to the facade. Also in April, the open space was closed due to construction, but the museum continues to operate.

This Monday (10), one of the four pilasters was already completely painted red. The other three are still gray and covered by a protective screen.

The repainting process began last Thursday and is sponsored by a paint manufacturer. According to the museum administration, a team of colorists achieved the original color standard and named the shade “Masp Red”.

“This intervention began with the removal of the countless overlapping layers of paint and the treatment of the concrete. For painting, we will use a system that should contribute to the preservation of the structure. The color chosen is the same as the original painting, created in 1990 especially for Masp”, says the museum’s Projects and Architecture manager, Miriam Elwing.

According to the Masp administration, the current work is the “largest preservation project ever carried out” in the museum building.

Expansion

In addition to the restoration work, a new building is being built, next to the main building, which should increase the museum’s exhibition capacity by 66%. The new building will have 14 floors and will also have a restaurant, ticket office, store, classrooms and restoration laboratory.

An underground passage is being built that will connect the two buildings.