it archives nearly 1700 pieces by artists from latin america and other parts of the world, in addition to the temporary exhibitions that change throughout the year.

the collections includes but are not limited to sculptures, paintings and photographs - some of the featured artists include joaquim paiva, and luiz carlos barreto,  and a collection by gilberto chateaubriand, one of the most complete of its kind in brazil. 

many famous artists first exhibited at the mam, birthplace of a variety of modern artistic movements.  

the museum also has a modern movie theatre that plays art films daily, the mam cinemateca.