São Paulo's Latin America Memorial (Memorial da América Latina) is a public space and museum, designed to honor Latin American traditions and educate visitors about the region's historical, cultural and linguistic proximity. The center was conceptualized to celebrate the idea of Latin American unity, inspired by the ideals of Simón Bolívar, José Martí and San Martín. A popular stop on walking and biking tours in São Paulo, the grand open space also hosts outdoor events and cultural celebrations of up to 30,000 people.
Designed by famed Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, the memorial exemplifies his signature, modern style, with large, bold curves, sweeping ceilings and futuristic design. The most distinctive landmark is a sculpture of a hand rising up from the ground, with an angular sketch of Central and South America in red, leaving a trail of imaginary blood from the continent's southern cape, streaming down the sculpture’s wrist. Beyond the sculpture, the memorial is made up of several other structures surrounding the massive Civic Plaza.
Other highlights include the Salão de Atos Tiradentes, where six floor-to-ceiling panels portray the history of colonization in Latin America and the Pavilhão da Criatividade, an exhibit of over 4,000 pieces of art from all over the region. There's also the Victor Civita Library, where a wealth of educational material on Latin American culture and history is available.