The Museum Inimá de Paula (Museu Inimá de Paula) is a must-see attraction for art enthusiasts visiting Belo Horizonte. It presents a deep insight into the lifestyle, talent and inspirations of one of Brazil’s finest Favism and urban landscape artists. The Museum Inimá de Paula opened in 2008 in a historic downtown building, which once housed a private members club and a cinema. The subdued color of the exterior is a smokescreen for the explosion of colors that await inside.
Inimá de Paula came from the small town of Itanhomi, in the Vale do Aço region of Minas Gerais. His artistic career began as a teenager, when he became skilled at retouching photographs. In 1944 he became a founding member of the Sociedade Cearense de Artes Plásticas (Cearanese Society of Plastic Arts). While living in Paris he studied with André Lhote and Gino Severini. His catalogue of work is defined by elaborate paintings of favelas and urban and rural landscapes.
About 80 pieces are displayed in the museum on a rotating basis. These pieces highlight the artist’s ability to portray themes and characters using vibrant colors, thick brushstrokes and a range of tones. A recreation of Paula’s workshop gives an idea of how he worked. It features original books and documents, photographs, personal items and painting instruments.
In the Virtual Gallery you get the chance to browse through almost 2,000 pieces by the artist. Use the touchscreen to select a painting and then watch as it is projected onto a large screen. Temporary exhibitions provide a platform for other artists such as the photographer Domingos Mazzilli and sculptor Marcus Amaral.
Situated in the Centro neighborhood, the museum is a 15-minute walk from the Central Station metro stop. Numerous public bus lines stop nearby. There’s plenty of other major city attractions within a short walk. Visit Américo Renné Giannetti Municpal Park and the Central Market.
Museum Inimá de Paula is open from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free. Information about current exhibitions is available on the museum’s official website.
