Paulista Aerospace Museum (MAPA): Brazilian Air Force unveils major cultural project

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) describes the Paulista Aerospace Museum (MAPA) as an exceptional museum and the largest cultural project in its history. The museum has been built near the São Paulo Aeronautical Material Park (PAMA-SP), at Campo de Marte in São Paulo.

The unit was activated on Friday 3 July by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Lieutenant-Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, alongside General Officers from the Air Force High Command and other civilian and military authorities. Covering 100,000 square metres, the site brings together history, culture and a collection that may eventually include up to 100 aircraft for aviation enthusiasts to admire.

Note: despite the military unit’s activation, the museum is not expected to open to the public until 2027.

“I am convinced that this museum will help to strengthen even further the tourism and cultural vocation of this vibrant capital, as well as sparking our young people’s interest in science, technology and the aerospace sector,” said the Commander of the Air Force, Air Lieutenant-Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno.

Paulista Aerospace Museum (MAPA) and its future complex

MAPA is conceived as a hangar complex devoted to preserving, enhancing and sharing Brazil’s aeronautical and aerospace heritage. In total, it will comprise 10 hangars, featuring themed spaces - including facilities welcoming visitors with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - communal areas, an aircraft restoration and maintenance workshop, exhibition sections on the development of aviation, air defence and the aerospace sector, as well as immersive environments and a viewing platform overlooking Campo de Marte Airport and PAMA-SP. Area 04 will also be reserved for an outdoor aircraft display.

The project is the result of a partnership between the Brazilian Air Force and the Wings of a Dream Museum, and will become one of the world’s five largest military aviation museums. The Director of the Air Force Historical-Cultural Institute, Air Lieutenant-Brigadier Vincent Dang, explained that this is only the first stage of a major initiative open to partnerships.

“We have considered this from the outset. We are seeking partnerships, institutional support and people interested in helping to build the Paulista Aerospace Museum. MAPA, today, is simply a presentation to society of what we intend to become here,” stated the Director of the Air Force Historical-Cultural Institute, Air Lieutenant-Brigadier Vincent Dang.

Hangars Zero One and 05 showcase aviation heritage

Following months of construction and preparation, Hangar Zero One and part of Hangar 05 were unveiled to invited guests. They saw the result of considerable commitment and dedication to creating themed, immersive settings - including flight simulators - and assembling a collection that preserves aeronautical memory, including aircraft.

Visitors entering Hangar Zero One will find décor strongly centred on aviation, featuring a variety of authentic items. There are model aircraft, helmets, propellers and even a lounge fitted with ejector seats, allowing guests to experience a little of what it feels like to be a pilot. Everything has been designed to set the mood for the exhibition from the outset.

During the event, guests were also able to see a crewed AirBrasil hot-air balloon in MAPA’s courtyard.

Inside Hangar Zero One, vertical panels present leading figures in aviation, including Salgado Filho, the first Minister of Aeronautics, and Alberto Santos Dumont, the Father of Aviation. The space also includes a gallery of former commanders and an exhibition of historic uniforms. Visitors can view a scale model of the 14-Bis suspended in the air, as well as a ground-level replica donated by parachutist Luigi Cani, together with the Demoiselle ultralight aircraft.

Another area in Hangar Zero One gives visitors access to information about the legacy of civil and military aviation through a timeline. It also pays tribute to the pioneers of the National Air Mail Service (CAN).

At the ceremony, attendees could also visit an exhibition on the documentary “Aviation With Them”, by journalist and airport communications specialist Lea Cavallero Barbacovi. The project aims to share real stories of women in Brazilian aviation.

Hangar 05 has been dedicated exclusively to demonstrating aviation’s evolution through historic aircraft, with several already on display. However, all of this represents only 2% of the overall project that will eventually be delivered to the public.

“This project is a dream the Commander of the Air Force had a little over ten years ago. This entire 100,000-square-metre area will be used for the museum’s gradual expansion, which may take around two and a half years to complete,” said MAPA Director, Air Major-Brigadier Rodrigo Fernandes Santos.

Mena creates a landmark aviation mural at Hangar 05

Urban artist Gabriel Menezes, known as Mena, also attended the ceremony. Known across São Paulo for works inspired by rainbow colours, he graduated in Architecture and Urbanism from the Belas Artes University Centre of São Paulo and has exhibited work at museums including the Louvre in Paris and the Modern Art Gallery in Lisbon. The artist created a mural measuring 65 metres in length and approximately 12 metres in height on the outside of Hangar 05. The piece draws on the history of Brazilian civil and military aviation, with a tribute to Santos Dumont.

Mena spent 11 days painting the mural. By the artist’s own count, it is artwork “number 54” created on a building. This time, however, it has a distinguishing feature: it is the first artwork of its kind at a Brazilian military base.

“I feel greatly honoured. It is a historic achievement and a very rewarding opportunity to bring culture together with the history of military aviation,” commented Mena.

During the ceremony, Mena received the Air Lieutenant-Brigadier Deoclécio Cultural Merit Medal. The award is granted to Brazilian or foreign civilian and military figures, as well as national or foreign military organisations and civilian institutions, that have provided outstanding services to culture and align with the values of the Brazilian Air Force.

Information from the Brazilian Air Force