Founded in 1966, Índia Vanuíre Historical and Pedagogical Museum, institution from the Secretariat of Culture from the State of São Paulo, in Tupã (SP), gathers one of the most important ethnographic collections of the country. With about 38 thousand pieces, which represent different Brazilian indigenous communities, from the Kayapó to the Yanomámi – including the Kaingang and the Krenak, people who still inhabit the west region of the State. In the collection there are hunting, working and domestic objects as well as other ones for everyday life activities on the indigenous lands, besides feathers, ceramic and objects used in religious rituals.
With a modern architectural design, made of concrete, the building was built in 1980 and, after being renovated, it was reopened in 2010 with a revitalized and long-term exhibition and changes inside and outside the building. Besides the exhibitions and the storage areas, the museum has also achieved an auditorium for 60 people.
Updated in 2026, the long-term exhibition is the result of a comprehensive exhibition renewal process that revised its content, narratives and visitor experience, strengthening dialogue with audiences and enhancing the presentation of the histories and memories of the western region of São Paulo State. Developed in collaboration with representatives of the Vanuíre, Icatu and Araribá Indigenous Territories, the exhibition incorporates contributions from Kaingang, Krenak, Terena and Guarani Nhandewa communities, following the principles of collaborative museology and Indigenous self-representation. The exhibition also expands its approach to the formation of the city of Tupã, addressing the experiences of immigrant communities and the contributions of the Black population.
The museum still gathers pieces of information and objects from other 47 ethnic indigenous groups from Brazil. There is also a space dedicated to the “feather art” and the exhibition of fabric and basketworks, with multimedia resources texts.
The museum is managed by ACAM Portinari (Cultural Association to Support the Casa de Portinari Museum), a Social Culture Organization, through an agreement with the State Government.
Vanuíre is regarded as the great peacemaker in the conflicts between settlers and the Kaingang people in western São Paulo State. According to accounts recorded by researchers, she came from Campos Novos do Paranapanema. However, due to the lack of historical documentation, it is not possible to determine precisely where or when she was born. Vanuíre died in 1918 in the Icatu Indigenous Territory, in the municipality of Braúna, in the Araçatuba region.
Historical accounts state that, distressed by the ongoing decimation of her people, Vanuíre would climb a ten-meter-high jequitibá tree, where she remained from sunrise until dusk singing songs in favor of peace. On March 19, 1912, she witnessed the outcome of her efforts toward reconciliation. On that day, ten Kaingang warriors approached the settlers’ camp as a gesture of peace and were welcomed as brothers.
Índia Vanuíre Historical and Pedagogical Museum
Address: Rua Coroados, 521 – Centro – Tupã/SP – CEP: 17600-010
Working Times: from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9.00 to 18.00
Entrance fee: free
Information: +55 (14) 3491-2202
contato@museuindiavanuire.org.br
www.museuindiavanuire.org.br
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