About

One of the main design galleries in Brazil, Mercado Moderno has played a prominent role in the recent process of global appreciation of the Brazilian modern movement. Its foundation in 2001 coincided with a moment when, after two decades of ostracism, a historical reassessment of this rich production from the period between the 1940s and 1970s began in Brazil. A large part of its collection was acquired at auctions held by antique houses, where few pieces were properly identified and there were no established value parameters.

The undertaking involved arduous research work, carried out in contact with designers, heirs and specialists, balanced by the excitement of discovering small treasures every day. This was, and still is, part of the routine of founding partners Rosana Vicente, Alberto Vicente and Marcelo Vasconcellos, in a journey that consolidated them as leading experts in both the national and international markets. Over time, this work unfolded into several initiatives aimed at recording, expanding and disseminating the knowledge acquired, including the organization and support of some of the fundamental publications on the subject and the curation of exhibitions in leading institutions across several Brazilian cities.

Along this path, the gallery also expanded its scope to include important names in contemporary Brazilian design, and today represents some of the most creative and consistent initiatives in this field, among them Mameluca Studio, Alê Jordão, Hugo França, Ines Schertel, Rodrigo Simão, Gustavo Bittencourt, Guto Índio da Costa, Rodrigo Ohtake and Alander Espécie.

Through exhibitions and events around the world, Mercado Moderno expands its global presence and is able to sell its catalog directly to clients around the world. In its mansion in Lapa, Rio de Janeiro, the gallery continues to welcome design enthusiasts, architects, interior designers and collectors who can appreciate a unique selection of furniture, one-of-a-kind pieces and rare objects gathered by its founders. Visit our portfolio to discover the latest acquisitions, as well as creations by artist-designers such as Joaquim Tenreiro, Jorge Zalszupin, Sergio Rodrigues, Oscar Niemeyer, Lina Bo Bardi and José Zanine Caldas.