A legacy etched in time. That’s the Ema Gordon Klabin Cultural Foundation. Here we stand before a remarkable institution. It’s more than just a museum. It’s a testament to one woman’s passion. Ema Gordon Klabin’s life story unfolds within these walls.
The Ema Gordon Klabin Cultural Foundation opened to the public in 2007. It’s a private non-profit organization. It was declared of federal public utility. Its purpose is to preserve and share Ema’s vast collection. This collection reflects over 70 years of dedicated collecting. It showcases art history and scientific achievements. The foundation also promotes cultural and educational activities.
Ema Gordon Klabin born in Rio de Janeiro in 1907 was a remarkable woman. She was the second daughter of Lithuanian immigrants. Her father founded the Klabin paper and cellulose industries. These industries were the largest paper producers and exporters in Brazil. Ema spent her childhood in Sao Paulo’s Santa Cecilia neighborhood. She was educated in Europe and often visited Brazil. She developed a love for the arts opera and music. She began collecting porcelain silverware carpets and oriental art.
After her father’s death in 1946 Ema inherited his wealth. She had no plans to marry. So she dedicated her life to business philanthropy and Sao Paulo’s cultural scene. Like her sister Eva she expanded her art collection. She made acquisitions during frequent trips to Europe and the United States.
In 1948 she commissioned the design of a new home. This home would house her growing collection. She chose an eclectic style designed by Alfredo Ernesto Becker. Years later she built a vacation home in Campos do Jordao. This was because her collection outgrew her main residence.
Ema was highly involved in Sao Paulo’s cultural life. She served on the boards of many organizations. These include the Sao Paulo Biennial Foundation MASP and the Museum of Modern Art of Sao Paulo. She helped create the Museu Lasar Segall and the Fundacao Magda Tagliaferro. She was a member of several prominent cultural societies. Her home became a gathering place for important figures in politics business and the arts.
In the 1970s Ema lacked direct heirs. She was concerned about her collection’s future. She consulted experts to determine appropriate institutions. A tragic fire at Rio de Janeiro’s MAM in 1978 prompted a change. She decided to create a foundation. This foundation would preserve her collection and make her home a public museum.
Ema died in her home on January 27 1994 at age 87. After her death the house remained closed for three years. Then in 1997 cataloging and research began. Architect Paulo de Freitas Costa oversaw this important work.
The Ema Gordon Klabin Cultural Foundation is a house-museum. It preserves not only the collection but also its original character. This character reflects Ema’s personality. The setting and presentation of pieces mirror similar museums like the Museus Castro Maya and the Fundacao Maria Luisa e Oscar Americano.
The foundation’s collection spans over 3500 years. It includes over 1500 pieces from four continents. It has a strong emphasis on European and Brazilian art. There are also significant collections of Asian African and decorative arts. Classical antiquities and pre-Columbian artifacts are also included. The collection’s breadth is astounding. It’s a testament to a life dedicated to art and culture. This is the Ema Gordon Klabin Cultural Foundation a true treasure of Sao Paulo.