Museu Arte Brasileira/FAAP

Don't let the name fool you. What this majestic and slightly pompous building (think Mussolini monumental) in quiet Higienópolis plays host to is not Brazilian art, but an ever-changing parade of grand international exhibits -- 2 years ago it was Egypt, currently it's Napoleon. The grand hall and both wings of the museum are transformed for each new exhibit. The museum also claims to house a number of the Brazilian greats -- Portinari, Di Cavalcanti, and others -- but they're never actually on display. (You may also see the museum referred to as FAAP, which is the acronym for the cultural institute where it's located.)