The Glass House, a project by Lina Bo Bardi, is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026 and, to mark the occasion, is hosting the exhibition titled Windows of Affection and Memory. Visitors can see a collection of photographs and objects that trace the trajectory of the location, which is considered Lina's first work in Brazil. This exhibition will be available until December 5th.
Exhibition Details and Content
The curation by Bruno Simões and the exhibition design by Giancarlo Latorraca highlight the various transformations the residence has undergone from 1952 to the present day. Inside the spaces, participants will find technical drawings prepared by the architect, an unprecedented model of the building's structural skeleton, and samples of the furniture specifically designed for the house. A highlight is the Bowl chair, which also completes 75 years. Additionally, there is a section focused on the private life of the Bardi family, presenting letters exchanged between Lina and Pietro.
There is also an area dedicated to photographs produced by ten different authors, each offering a different perspective on the house. These authors are: Bob Wolfenson, Demian Jacob, Eduardo Ortega, Filippo Bamberghi, Fran Parente, Leonardo Finotti, Maíra Acayaba, Nelson Kon, Ruy Teixeira, and Vincent Catala. These images, captured over various periods, illustrate how Lina's home was perceived throughout the decades.
History of the Bardi Family and Arrival in Brazil
Lina Bo Bardi was born in Rome and developed her education and career in Italy. Her marriage to Pietro Maria Bardi took place in 1946, marking the beginning of her journey to Brazil. The country was seen as a place with great potential for the arts and a promising field for architecture. For this reason, journalist and businessman Assis Chateaubriand invited the couple to collaborate on the foundation and administration of Masp (São Paulo Museum of Art).
The Bardis arrived in Rio de Janeiro in October of the same year and stayed there for the first few months. In the following year, they moved to São Paulo with the aim of continuing the museum project.
Conception and Evolution of the Glass House
The Glass House was conceived by Lina in 1949. A few months after this planning, engineering studies and the construction of the residence began, which was inaugurated in 1952. Being the architect's first work in Brazil, the house was also established in one of the first areas of the newly developed Jardim Morumbi, which today constitutes the Morumbi neighborhood.
The most notable feature of the house is its glazed volume, facing the landscape. In the early stages, while the Atlantic Forest vegetation still surrounded the residence, it was possible to view the Pinheiros River and part of Avenida Paulista. The location thus served as an observation point for expanding São Paulo.
In the main room, the Bardi family hosted prominent figures of culture, including painter Alexander Calder, composer John Cage, architect Aldo van Eyck, filmmaker Glauber Rocha, and singer Gilberto Gil.
Currently, the space houses the Bardi Institute, which was inaugurated in 1990, two years before Lina's death. This institution functions to preserve and promote the family's cultural legacy, offering services to researchers and conducting guided tours of the house.
Access information indicates that the residence is located at Rua General Almério de Moura, 200, in Morumbi. The exhibition remains open until December 5th, and the Glass House operates from Thursday to Saturday, with visiting hours set between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM. Visits are guided and require prior scheduling through the official website. Costs are R$ 29 for half-price admission and R$ 58 for full admission.