São Paulo Coffee Museum: discovering the history of coffee in Brazil

In the historic center of the municipality of Santos, in the state of São Paulo, is the Palácio da Bolsa Oficial do café or Coffee Museum. Originally established in a small rented room in the city center, it was first moved to the palace, then abandoned and, following a restoration, reopened in 1998 as the Coffee Museum.

The new building in which the business stands represents, in its grandeur and architectural stateliness, the role that coffee occupies within the Brazilian tradition.

A journey through time to discover the origins of coffee

Did you know that in 1727, in today's Pará State, Brazil, it was a Portuguese sergeant who transplanted the first coffee bush? Then it spread rather rapidly locally until the 19th century, when demands from the United States and Europe grew by leaps and bounds.

Production in Brazil increased to the point that, by the late 1800s, it accounted for about 20 percent of world production. Coffee thus became Brazil's leading export, as well as 30 percent of the global harvest, leading it to become the world's largest coffee grower.

From this, we understand how crucial it was for Brazilian culture to have a place that would help preserve and spread the very important link between coffee and the country throughout the world.

The São Paulo Coffee Museum today

The Coffee Museum is now a major tourist attraction in the city of São Paulo and bears witness to the direct correlation between the evolution of coffee cultivation and the country's political-cultural and economic development.

Inside, you can find historical objects and documents, as well as temporary and long-term exhibitions on the history of coffee in Brazil.

In addition to being an institution in the field, the Coffee Museum is today a reference in the marketing of the product at its in-house cafeteria. In fact, every day it hosts about 600 people and sells 450 cups of coffee, which is why it has won numerous prestigious awards over the years.

The perfect destination for coffeelovers from all over the world

In addition, the museum organizes fun and educational activities to stimulate perception and curiosity, including thematic tours, interactive routes for schools, and more. The main objective is to raise awareness of the history of coffee in Brazil and, more importantly, the origins and history of coffee in general.

The São Paulo Coffee Museum offers an incredible experience to all coffee-loving tourists. A multisensory journey through the traditions, history, and changes of an entire culture.