in mid-20th century, henrique laje grew indebted and was forced to sell part of his possessions, including the mansion - at that time parque lage was converted into a public space, officially becoming a park and reclassified as a historical and artistic heritage site.

in 1975 the department of culture created the school of visual arts at parque lage inside the mansion - this institution became a reference in the area as it remains to this day.

next to the big blue-green reflecting pool, there is Café du Lage an establishment that serves an excellent brunch, and an art gallery that hosts different exhibitions throughout the year.