the museu de arte moderna - mam (modern art museum), was inaugurated in 1948 by the famous brazilian art collector raymundo ottoni de castro maya, following a favorable period for the acquisition of works from european artists in the post-war era.

at that time, several brazilian businessmen, among them de castro maya, decided to establish an institution that reflected brazil's modern artistic and cultural contributions, and a space for the consolidation of modernist esthetic. in their efforts, they also laid the foundation for rio's modern artistic heritage, and created one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world.