the palace built in 1916, now an official heritage site, has been beautifully renovated, while maintaining its classical and traditional feel. internal walls were dismantled creating eight double-height exhibition halls, and several of the building's features have been maintained and restored such as an old elevator and dome - here, diverse art and photography exhibitions can be seen.

the escola do olhar (literally, school of vision), set in an elegant but modern space, was created in order to implement the museum's mission of making art a part of public education.