The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) is moving forward with the creation of the Museu Aeroespacial Paulista (MAPA), a new museum dedicated to preserving and promoting Brazil’s aerospace heritage. Located at the São Paulo Aeronautical Material Park (PAMA-SP) in the Santana district, the museum is currently undergoing renovations and the installation of its first exhibition spaces ahead of its public opening. Once completed, MAPA will complement the Brazilian Air Force’s existing Aerospace Museum (MUSAL) at Campo dos Afonsos in Rio de Janeiro. While MUSAL has long served as the country’s principal repository for Brazilian aviation history, the new São Paulo museum is intended to expand public access to aerospace heritage in another region of the country.
(Image credit: CEPE and CECOMSAER)
According to the Brazilian Air Force, specialists from MUSAL have played a central role in planning the new institution, providing technical expertise throughout the museum’s development and assisting with the preparation, relocation, and installation of aircraft and other artifacts. “The coordination of the design phase and museum structuring was directly carried out by MUSAL experts. Our team has assumed responsibility for complex planning and execution missions related to the assembly and disassembly of aeronautical collections. This performance reflects the integrated management of the aeronautical historical heritage conducted by the Historical-Cultural Institute of Aeronautics (INCAER), within the scope of the Aeronautics Command,” explained Air Brigadier Mauricio Carvalho Sampaio, director of MUSAL.
(Image credit: CEPE and CECOMSAER)
Officials said the new museum is intended to broaden access to Brazil’s aviation history while strengthening cooperation between institutions responsible for preserving the nation’s aeronautical heritage. The project also recognizes the historical importance of Campo de Marte, São Paulo’s first airport, which played a significant role in the development of both civil and military aviation in Brazil. “Furthermore, the museum fulfills an important function by democratizing and expanding society’s access to a range of aerospace knowledge and memories, attracting new audiences for cultural development, and will certainly consolidate itself as a hub of education and inspiration, promoting interest in the areas of science, technology, and innovation for future generations,” Sampaio said. Museum officials said MAPA is being developed as a center for history, education, technology, and cultural activities, with the goal of introducing new audiences to Brazil’s aerospace legacy while complementing the work already carried out by MUSAL in Rio de Janeiro. To know more about the Museu Aeroespacial Paulista, click on this link: www.fab.mil.br/mapa/.
