Galleria Continua to open São Paulo branch in controversial Pacaembu Stadium privatization

Galleria Continua is set to open a new venue at the Pacaembu Stadium in São Paulo, which is currently being privatized. Originally constructed in 1940, the stadium's capacity will be decreased from 40,000 to 26,000 to make way for commercial activities such as the gallery, retail shops, restaurants, and office spaces. A consortium named Patrimônio SP, consisting of engineering firm Progen and investment fund Savona, has obtained a 35-year operating contract valued at R$111 million (£20.3 million). This agreement was initiated by former mayor and current state governor João Doria. The gallery will coordinate its programming with the city's sports events, utilizing the entire venue for art alongside football games and marathons. Akio Aoki, previously with Vermelho gallery, will collaborate on this Brazilian project. Meanwhile, the swimming pool remains a free public area in the city center, though there are concerns about gentrification. Additionally, in March, the mayor's office awarded a management contract for Ibirapuera Park—home to Oscar Niemeyer’s pavilions, including the São Paulo Bienal and the Museum of Modern Art—to Construcap. Its president, Roberto Capobianco, was arrested in 2016 during Operation Lava Jato, an extensive corruption probe that began in 2014.