SAO PAULO —
In the heart of São Paulo, Brazil is an interactive attraction like no other - the football museum. For lovers of the World Cup, world history and Brazilian culture, this is one of the country’s prime destinations.
More than 100 years of football history in one of the most emblematic stadiums in the world. After visiting this museum, you’ll understand why Brazilians live and breathe this sport.
As you enter the stadium, Brazilian football legend and three-time World Cup Champion Pelé welcomes you personally, in three languages.
In fact, he greets about 1,000 visitors per day on average; 2,000 per day during the World Cup.
The site is a treat for more than just the eyes - you'll hear the sounds of goals and whistles, and experience the taste of victory and defeat.
“We have 15 rooms in long-term exhibition that work with the motion, that work with experiences, so in each room you can feel the supporters of the bleachers, you can hear the radio narration and see football as art more than as a sport,” said Daniela Alfonsi, museum content director.
Pelé once called football “o jogo bonito” or “the beautiful game,” a nickname that has stuck ever since. In this museum, it is easy to see why.
Carlos Acosta is a Colombian who lives in São Paulo. He sees Brazilians' passion for football as an inspiration to the world. “It’s contagious. The Brazilians breathe football all the time. They eat football," he said. "They drink football all day.”
There is one room in particular that tugs at every Brazilian’s heart -- a theater that mourns Brazil’s historic 2-1 defeat by Uruguay in the 1950 World Cup final -- in front of more than 90,000 fans at the Maracaná stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Luckily, the sadness is short-lived. With a record five World Cup titles, Brazilians have a lot to be proud of, as displayed in the interactive “Hall of Heroes.”
And in case that’s still not enough to entertain your senses, there are games designed to bring out the competitor in everyone - not to mention an opportunity to become the newest hero of the 2014 World Cup.
