Casa das Rosas: A Paulista Avenue Landmark

Casa das Rosas, officially known as Casa das Rosas - Espaço Haroldo de Campos de Poesia e Literatura, is a unique cultural space residing in a classic French-style mansion on Avenida Paulista. Constructed in 1935 by architect Francisco de Paula Ramos de Azevedo's firm, it was initially designed as a residence for his daughter. The mansion is one of the few remaining examples of the early 20th-century architecture that once defined Paulista Avenue, contrasting sharply with the towering skyscrapers that now dominate the landscape. The house features 30 rooms with interiors showcasing a mix of styles, including Art Deco, Renaissance, Neoclassical, and English influences. Key features include Italian marble, Belgian glass, and a striking stained-glass window by Carlos Sorgenicht. The gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles, are home to a beautiful rose garden, which gives the house its name. After serving as a private residence for 51 years, Casa das Rosas was designated a municipal landmark in 1985 and opened as a cultural center in 1991. In 2004, it was rededicated as a space for poetry and literature, named in honor of poet Haroldo de Campos, housing his collection of over 20,000 books. Today, Casa das Rosas hosts exhibitions, courses, lectures, book launches, and musical events, attracting around 80,000 visitors annually. The building also houses a library specializing in poetry and a café in the back.