mam, as it is more commonly referred to, showcases brazil's position as a vanguard of the arts -  its founding coincides with the rise of post-modernism,  in part spurred by the work of the south american painter jorge luís borges.

the building, made primarily of concrete and glass, was designed by brazilian architect affonso eduardo reidy, a native carioca, who created this monument to modernism. his design is a prime example of architectural rationalism strongly committed to cubist principles and aesthetics.