Discover the Rich Heritage: 39 Museums in Salvador

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The museums in Salvador offer a rich variety of cultural and educational experiences that reflect the diversity and history of Bahia.

Foto aérea panorâmica da Bahia Marina, da Prainha do Solar do Unhão e do Parque das Esculturas do Museu da Arte Moderna da Bahia
Panoramic aerial photo of Bahia Marina, Prainha do Solar do Unhão and the Sculpture Park of the Bahia Museum of Modern Art

Highlights of Salvador’s Museums

  • Historical Collections: Exhibitions detailing the city’s history from the colonial period to the present day, including artifacts, documents, and historical objects.
  • Art and Culture: Collections of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and crafts that represent the vibrant local and national art scene. Many museums feature works by renowned and local artists.
  • Traditions and Folk Culture: Exhibitions celebrating Bahian traditions such as Candomblé, samba de roda, and axé, with items like masks, festive clothing, and musical instruments.
  • Archaeology and Ethnology: Collections including ceramics, fishing tools, and artifacts from indigenous and African cultures, reflecting the region’s cultural and historical diversity.
  • Interactive and Educational Museums: Interactive and educational experiences that provide engaging learning opportunities about history, science, and art, suitable for all ages.
  • Temporary Exhibitions: Special events and temporary exhibitions offering new perspectives and varied themes, allowing visitors to explore different aspects of culture and art.
  • Architecture and Heritage: Many museums are housed in historic buildings, offering a chance to appreciate local architecture and heritage preservation.
  • Programs and Events: Cultural activities, workshops, lectures, and special events that enhance the visitor experience and foster community engagement.

Overall, Salvador’s museums are a space to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, offering a comprehensive view of Bahia’s traditions, art, and history.

Videos about the museums of Salvador de Bahia

See also Tourist attractions for families with children in Salvador and Palaces in Salvador to visit and appreciate history

Discover the 39 Museums of Salvador in detail

  1. Geographical and Historical Institute of Bahia
  2. Salvador City Hall Memorial
  3. Governors’ Memorial
  4. Sister Dulce Memorial
  5. Afro-Brazilian Museum Terreiro de Jesus
  6. Museum of Modern Art of Bahia
  7. Museum of Sacred Art
  8. Carlos Costa Pinto Museum
  9. Benin House Museum
  10. City Museum
  11. Science and Technology Museum
  12. São Bento Monastery Museum
  13. Nautical Museum
  14. Santa Casa de Misericórdia Museum or Misericórdia Museum
  15. Abelardo Rodrigues Museum
  16. Museum of the Palace of Acclamation
  17. Basilica Cathedral Museum
  18. Henriqueta Catharino Museum of Ancient and Popular Art
  19. Ilê Ohun Lailai Museum (Ilê Axé Opô Afonjá)
  20. Eugênio Teixeira de Leal Museum or Banco Econômico Memorial
  21. Geological Museum of Bahia
  22. São Bento Museum
  23. Tempostal Museum
  24. Carmo Gate Museum
  25. Art Museum of Bahia
  26. Monte Serrat Fort Armoury Museum
  27. Estácio de Lima Anthropological Museum
  28. Santa Casa de Misericórdia Museum
  29. Udo Knoff Tile and Ceramics Museum
  30. Senhor do Bonfim Ex-Votos Museum
  31. Museum of the Third Order of St Francis
  32. Nativity Scene Museum
  33. Ufba Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
  34. Erotic Museum
  35. Palace of the Arts
  36. Public Promenade
  37. Solar do Ferrão
  38. Bahia Music City
  39. Baianas de Acarajé Memorial

1. Geographical and Historical Institute of Bahia

Avenida Sete de Setembro, 94A, Piedade
www.ighb.org.br

The Geographical and Historical Institute of Bahia (IGHB) is a space that preserves treasures from Bahia’s history and is a fundamental cultural and historical reference in the state. Founded on 13 May 1894, the IGHB is the oldest cultural entity in Bahia, also known as the ‘House of Bahia’. The institution is one of 15 supported by the Continued Actions for Cultural Institutions programme, an initiative of the Bahia State Department of Culture (SecultBA), through the Bahia Culture Fund (FCBA).

Instituto Geográfico e Histórico da Bahia
Geographical and Historical Institute of Bahia

Remarkable collections

The Institute houses the largest collection of newspapers in the state, with copies dating from the 19th century to the present day. In addition, the IGHB holds the largest cartographic collection in Bahia, offering the public the opportunity to learn about the origin and evolution of Bahia’s 417 municipalities.

Ruy Barbosa Library

The Ruy Barbosa Library, with around 30,000 titles, is a treasure trove for researchers and interested parties, containing rare works of great historical value. The collection is available for online consultation via the institution’s website, facilitating access to this vast content.

Theodoro Sampaio Archive

Another highlight is the Theodoro Sampaio Archive, which preserves the private collections of illustrious figures such as Theodoro Fernandes Sampaio, Brás do Amaral and Hildegardes Viana. Among its treasures are the manuscripts of the poetry of Antônio de Castro Alves and the letters of Antônio Conselheiro, important pieces of Brazilian history.

IGHB Museum

On the institute’s premises, the museum exhibits an important collection of portraits, bronze sculptures, period furniture and religious objects that refer to African culture in Bahia. This collection emphasises cultural diversity and the impact of different influences on the formation of Bahia’s identity.

Pavilion 2 de Julho

The IGHB is also responsible for guarding the 2 de Julho Pavilion, located in Largo da Lapinha, which houses the symbols of Brazil’s largest civic festival: the Caboclo and Cabocla, figures that represent popular participation in the struggles for Bahia’s independence.

The Geographical and Historical Institute of Bahia is therefore an essential space for anyone wishing to explore the history and culture of the state, offering a valuable collection for preserving memory and promoting knowledge.

2. Salvador City Hall Memorial

Praça Tomé de Souza, Centre

The Paço Municipal, located in Praça Tomé de Souza, is a building of remarkable architectural merit, developed around a small courtyard. Its main façade is formed by arcades supported by Tuscan columns, surmounted by pulpit windows and a small vertical tower covered by a hemispherical dome.

Above the doorway is an oval tombstone, a distinctive detail of the building. This building, with its characteristic tower, served as a model for other town halls, such as those in Santo Amaro and Maragogipe in the 18th century.

Memorial da Camara de Salvador
Salvador City Hall Memorial

Chronology – Historical Context

  • 1550: Luís Dias built a rammed earth house covered in straw.
  • 1660: Governor Francisco Barreto de Menezes rebuilt the building, giving it its current appearance without the tower.
  • 1698: Governor João de Lencastro carried out significant renovations, including the construction of the tower, the court house, secret rooms and enxovias (underground prisons).
  • 1733: The carpenter José de Miranda Ribeiro carried out work on a new ceiling in the courtroom.
  • 1734: The painter Antônio Simões Ribeiro was paid to paint the arms of the City of Salvador (a pigeon in flight, with an olive branch in its beak) on the lining of the councillors’ room, with details in blue and red on a white background.
  • 1795: Governor Fernando José de Portugal added a public jail, an internal infirmary and a closed room.
  • 1887: The palace was remodelled in neoclassical style and the main façade was decorated in Renaissance style, with windows adorned with alternating rectilinear and curvilinear pediments. The old tower with its hemispherical dome was replaced by a turret, and the bell was replaced by a clock.
  • 1894: Under Freire Filho’s administration, the vestibule was remodelled with marble, stairs were given handrails and the inner courtyard was transformed into a flower garden.
  • 1970: The external restoration was completed under the supervision of Mayor Antônio Carlos Magalhães, returning to the original colonial style.
  • 1997: The Town Hall was restored during the presidency of Councillor Gilberto José.
  • 2001: Inauguration of the Memorial.
  • 2006: Under the administration of Councillor Valdenor Cardoso, the Salão Nobre da Presidência was restored, with the original paintings restored.

Salvador City Council Memorial

The Memorial brings together historical documents, furniture and paintings that help tell the story and importance of Salvador’s City Council. As a non-profit public museum, the Memorial’s mission is to preserve and publicise the city’s historical and cultural memory, as well as its documentary, iconographic and furniture collection.

Highlights of the Memorial

On 29 December 2010, the Memorial was reopened with a project that highlighted:

  • The visualisation of the building’s basement, where the ‘enxovias’ (underground prisons) used to operate.
  • Archaeological materials found in the excavations.
  • The original paintings on the supportcolumns, dating from the early 20th century, made using the Escariole technique.
  • The architectural beauty of the wooden structure that supports the floor.
  • The revitalisation of the existing collection within a modern layout.

The Memorial’s initial nucleus includes a collection of portraits of historical personalities from Salvador, painted by renowned artists such as Lopes Rodrigues, Presciliano Silva, Alberto Valença, Victor Meireles, Henrique Passos, Carlos Bastos and Floriano Teixeira.

As well as the portraits, the Memorial contains 19th century furniture, a silver urn brought from Portugal, medals and decorations, archaeological finds, photographs and replicas of indigenous ceramics donated by the Association of Ceramists of Bahia.

Mission

The Salvador City Council Memorial is a space aimed at different audiences, with the mission of bringing the population closer to the city’s historical heritage and cultural memory. Its actions highlight the importance of Salvador and its municipal government in the context of Brazilian history, making it a point of reference for the preservation and valorisation of local history.

3. Governors’ Memorial

Praça Tomé de Souza, Centre

The Memorial of the Republican Governors of Bahia was created in 1986 in the Rio Branco Palace as a tribute to the state ‘s governors, offering a rich panorama of Bahia’s political history. The space brings together a vast collection of objects, documents and paintings that allow you to immerse yourself in the state’s republican history.

Palácio Rio Branco - Memorial dos Governadores em Salvador BA
Rio Branco Palace – Governors’ Memorial in Salvador BA

The collection

The collection is eclectic and includes approximately 2,000 artefacts and documents.

The Memorial preserves everything from governors’ personal belongings to insignia, uniforms, newspapers, books, titles, medals and honours. The artefacts are classified into sub-collections according to their functions and specificities, such as:

  • Personal effects;
  • Insignia;
  • Communication;
  • Interiors;
  • Monetary objects;
  • Visual arts.

Exhibitions

The Memorial’s long-term exhibition is organised into two historical periods: the Old Republic and the New Republic, displayed in 17 showcases featuring a variety of pieces, artefacts and documents. These exhibits provide a detailed analysis of the events that marked the different phases of the republic in the state of Bahia.

Donations and Collections

A large part of the collection was formed from donations of personal objects and documents from the governors, allowing the public to have access to items from the private, daily, professional and governmental lives of these historical figures. The items in the collection reveal thoughts, actions and interests that together make up the complexity of Bahian history.

Pinacoteca

The Memorial also has a pinacoteca made up of 47 hand-painted portraits of Republican governors, providing an important visual record of the figures who moulded the state’s political history.

Importance

The Memorial to the Republican Governors of Bahia offers a unique opportunity to preserve the state’s political memory. It allows visitors, researchers and the curious to explore the backstage of politics, focusing on the economic, social and cultural aspects of Bahia from a governmental perspective. The collection provides a deeper understanding of history, highlighting the decisions and reflections that have helped shape today’s society.

This space is a real treasure trove for anyone wishing to learn about the formation and challenges faced by the leaders who occupied the governors’ office throughout Bahia’s republican history.

4. Sister Dulce Memorial

Avenida Bonfim, 161, Roma
www.irmadulce.org.br

The Sister Dulce Memorial was inaugurated in 1993, a year after the nun’s death, and is dedicated to preserving the memory of Sister Dulce, the ‘Blessed Dulce of the Poor’. The space keeps the room where she lived intact, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into her simple and dedicated life.

Memorial Irmã Dulce em Salvador BA
Sister Dulce Memorial in Salvador BA

Collection

Among the objects on display in the memorial are:

  • The habits of Sister Dulce;
  • Photographs recording moments from her life and mission;
  • The chair where she slept for 30 years, the fruit of a personal promise, demonstrating her devotion and sacrifice.

This memorial is a space for reflection and inspiration, allowing visitors to get a closer look at the path of love of neighbour and solidarity that marked Sister Dulce’s life.

5. Terreiro de Jesus Afro-Brazilian Museum

Former Faculty of Medicine building

The Afro-Brazilian Museum, inaugurated in 1982 and restructured in 1997, is located in the building of the former Faculty of Medicine and is dedicated to the culture and history of Africa and its connection with Brazil. The museum offers a rich collection of artistic pieces and objects that reflect African and Afro-Brazilian traditions, with an emphasis on the African cultural impact on the formation of Brazilian identity.

Museu Afro Brasileiro Terreiro de Jesus
Terreiro de Jesus Afro-Brazilian Museum

The collection

The museum exhibits a variety of items in various rooms, including:

  • Furniture;
  • Paintings;
  • Everyday utensils.

Among the objects on display are African sculptures, masks, textiles, ceramics, ornaments and musical instruments, all brought directly from African countries and linked to the daily lives of their peoples. In addition, the collection brings together objects of Brazilian origin related to Afro-Brazilian religion, reinforcing the connection between the continents.

Museu Afro Brasileiro Terreiro de Jesus
Terreiro de Jesus Afro-Brazilian Museum

Highlights

The museum also houses one of the most important collections of contemporary Brazilian art, with the 27 panels of orixás carved in cedar wood by the renowned artist Carybé. These works are a unique artistic representation of the deities of candomblé, one of the religions of African origin in Brazil.

Importance

The Afro-Brazilian Museum plays a fundamental role in the preservation and dissemination of African and Afro-Brazilian culture, providing a valuable reflection on the cultural and religious roots that have moulded Brazilian society. It is a reference point for the study and appreciation of African heritage in Brazil, essential for understanding the country’s cultural diversity.

6. Bahia Museum of Modern Art

Avenida Contorno, s/n

The Museum of Modern Art of Bahia (MAM-BA), founded in 1960, was installed in Solar do Unhão in 1966, a historic mansion that offers a privileged view of the Bay of All Saints. The museum is an important cultural space that hosts exhibitions of renowned works by national artists, standing out as one of the main centres of modern art in Brazil.

Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia
Bahia Museum of Modern Art

The collection

MAM-BA houses a diverse collection of works by renowned Brazilian artists, including:

Paintings, prints, photographs, drawings and sculptures by names such as:

  • Tarsila do Amaral
  • Cândido Portinari
  • Flávio de Carvalho
  • Di Cavalcanti
  • Rubem Valentim
  • José Pancetti
  • Carybé
  • Mário Cravo
  • Sante Scaldaferri, among others.

Activities

In addition to its exhibitions, MAM-BA is renowned for its workshops, courses and events that promote and enhance modern Brazilian art. These programmes aim to democratise access to art, providing opportunities for emerging artists and the general public to interact with different forms of artistic expression.

MAM-BA not only preserves and exhibits works of art, but also stands out as a living centre for artistic production and education, establishing itself as a cultural landmark in Salvador and Brazil.

7. Museum of Sacred Art

Rua do Sodré, 276, Centre

The Museum of Sacred Art at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), inaugurated in 1959, is located in the Convent of Santa Teresa de Ávila. The museum is one of the most important spaces for the preservation of Brazil’s religious and artistic heritage and stands out for its vast collection of sacred pieces and baroque art.

Museu da Arte Sacra em Salvador BA
Museum of Sacred Art

Collection

The museum houses a valuable and diverse collection of religious objects, including:

  • Images of saints carved in wood, clay, soapstone and ivory;
  • Sacred jewellery;
  • Tile paintings from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries;
  • Sculptures and paintings with religious themes.

In addition, the collection includes important collections by Bahian artists, which contribute to the valorisation and preservation of sacred art in the state.

The UFBA Museum of Sacred Art is a fundamental space for understanding the religious and cultural history of Brazil, as well as being a reference for scholars and admirers of sacred and baroque art.

See History of the Convent and Church of Santa Teresa or UFBa Museum of Sacred Art in Salvador BA

8. Carlos Costa Pinto Museum

Avenida Sete de Setembro, 2.490

Housed in the former residence of Carlos Costa Pinto, the museum was founded in 1969 and is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting artefacts that belonged to the great families of the sugar aristocracy, offering a glimpse into the life and style of Brazil’s colonial elite.

Museu Carlos Costa Pinto em Salvador BA
Carlos Costa Pinto Museum in Salvador BA

Collection

The museum has a vast collection of 3,172 pieces from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, including:

  • Silverware;
  • Jewellery;
  • Furniture;
  • Crystals;
  • Porcelain;
  • Plastic arts;
  • Small decorative objects.

These objects reveal the luxury and sophistication of the great families of Bahia during the colonial period.

Activities

As well as displaying its permanent collection, the Carlos Costa Pinto Museum promotes an active cultural programme, with lectures, seminars, temporary exhibitions and art workshops. The museum also has a specialised library and a souvenir shop.

The space is a true historical and cultural gem, which not only recounts the history of colonial art, but also keeps it alive through its programme and activities aimed at preserving the memory and culture of Bahia.

9. Benin House Museum

Rua Padre Agostinho, 17

Inaugurated in 1988, the Casa do Benin was born out of the cultural exchange between Bahia and the African country Benin, especially through the city of Cotonou. The museum was designed to celebrate and preserve the historical and cultural connections between Brazil and Africa, particularly the Gulf of Benin region, where many of the blacks who formed the Recôncavo Baiano came from.

Museu da Casa do Benin em Salvador BA
Benin House Museum in Salvador BA

Architecture

After a renovation by renowned architect Lina Bo Bardi, the structure of the centuries-old house was maintained, but the interior spaces were modernised. Lina managed to harmonise the past and the present, creating an environment that preserves history while offering a modern infrastructure for exhibitions and events.

Collection

The Casa do Benin collection includes a rich collection of objects and works of art from the Gulf of Benin region. Most of the pieces were gathered by French anthropologist and photographer Pierre Verger during his travels in Africa. The museum highlights the African heritage that has moulded Bahia’s culture and identity, through:

  • Sculptures;
  • Masks;
  • Ritual and everyday objects;
  • Photographs documenting life in Benin and its influence on Bahia.

Activities

In addition to the permanent collection, the space hosts temporary exhibitions and promotes artistic workshops, reinforcing its role as a dynamic cultural centre. Casa do Benin is a meeting point between Afro-Brazilian culture and its African roots, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of African influences in the formation of Bahian society.

10. City Museum

José de Alencar Square, 3, Pelourinho

The City Museum, located in Salvador’s historic Largo do Pelourinho, is an important cultural space that explores the city’s rich history and diversity. The museum offers a comprehensive overview of Salvador’s evolution, mixing aspects of the past and present, and presenting both the sacred and the profane.

Museu da Cidade em Salvador BA
City Museum in Salvador BA

Collection

The museum’s collection is diverse and includes:

  • Candombléorisha costumes, representing the rich Afro-Brazilian religious tradition;
  • Personal belongings of the poet Castro Alves, author of ‘O Navio Negreiro’ and one of the first public figures to oppose slavery in Brazil;
  • Traditional rag dolls depicting everyday colonial life;
  • Paintings and sculptures that reflect the artistic evolution of the city.

Other important items in the collection include:

  • Historical photos;
  • Rosaries and sacred images;
  • Bahian costumes;
  • Tapestries;
  • Ceramics;
  • Castro Alves’ personal belongings;
  • Pinacoteca with works by artists linked to the city’s history.

Exhibitions

The City Museum holds permanent and temporary exhibitions covering a wide range of historical and cultural themes. The exhibitions are designed to offer a comprehensive view of the evolution of Salvador, celebrating its traditions, culture and artistic contributions.

The museum not only preserves and displays Salvador’s history, but also serves as a meeting point for reflection on the city’s cultural identity, offering visitors a rich and educational experience.

11. Science and Technology Museum

Address: Avenida Jorge Amado, s/n

Museu de Ciência de Technologia
Science and Technology Museum

Description: The Science and Technology Museum features exhibitions of experiments and machines, many of which are used in daily life but rarely seen in operation from the inside. It is a must-visit for families with children, offering an educational and enjoyable experience.

12. São Bento Monastery Museum

Avenida Sete de Setembro, 1, Largo São Bento
www.saobento.org

With over 400 years of history, the São Bento Monastery is one of the most important centres of sacred art in Brazil. The museum, located in Largo São Bento, is known for its impressive collection of rare pieces dating from the 16th to the 20th centuries.

Museu do Mosteiro de São Bento
São Bento Monastery Museum

Collection

The collection of the São Bento Monastery Museum includes:

  • Sacred images;
  • Religious paintings;
  • Liturgical and religious objects.

These pieces represent the richness and diversity of sacred art in Brazil, offering visitors a deep insight into the evolution of religious art over the centuries.

Importance

The museum not only preserves these important works of art, but also serves as a testimony to the continuing influence of religious tradition on Brazilian culture and art. A visit to the São Bento Monastery Museum offers a unique experience of immersion in the history and spirituality that have shaped the country’s artistic heritage.

13. Nautical Museum of Bahia

Largo do Farol da Barra, s/n, Forte Santo Antônio da Barra, Barra

Housed in the Santo Antônio da Barra Fort, popularly known as the Barra Lighthouse, the Bahia Nautical Museum is one of the oldest and most important spaces dedicated to Brazil’s maritime history. The fort, dating from 1534, is the oldest military building in the country, even predating the construction of Salvador.

Museu Náutico da Bahia no Farol fa Barra
Nautical Museum of Bahia at Farol fa Barra

Collection

The museum offers a rich collection that includes:

  • Underwater archaeological finds;
  • Navigation and nautical signallinginstruments;
  • Models of old ships, caravels and galleons;
  • Old maps and documentation on historic shipwrecks, including the Galeão Sacramento, wrecked in Todos os Santos Bay.
Museu Náutico de Salvador BA
Nautical Museum of Bahia at Farol fa Barra

Among the highlights are:

  • Objects found on a warship sunk in the Rio Vermelho in 1668;
  • Miniatures of significantvessels in Brazilian history.

Importance

The Museu Náutico da Bahia provides direct contact with Luso-Brazilian maritime history, offering an in-depth view of Salvador’s role in navigation and events related to the discovery of Brazil. The space is known for its excellent organisation and cataloguing, making it an unmissable visit for all ages.

Museu Náutico da Bahia
Nautical Museum of Bahia at Farol fa Barra

In addition to its valuable collection, the museum offers an enriching experience for those who want to understand the evolution of navigation and the historical importance of Bahia in the maritime context.

14. Santa Casa de Misericórdia Museum or Misericórdia Museum

79 Joana Angelica Avenue

The Museu da Santa Casa de Misericórdia, or simply Museu da Misericórdia, is one of Salvador’s most significant cultural spaces, located in an imposing 17th century mansion between Praça Municipal and Praça da Cruz Caída. Founded in 2006, the museum preserves and celebrates the history of Santa Casa de Salvador and the state of Bahia, as well as reflecting the evolution of social and educational assistance over almost 500 years.

Museu da Misericórdia em Salvador da BA
Santa Casa de Misericórdia Museum in Salvador da BA

Collection

The museum has an extensive collection of more than 1,800 pieces, including:

  • Historicaltiles, such as those from 1712 depicting the Procession of the Bonfire;
  • Silverware and furniture from various periods;
  • Paintings and documents recounting important events in the history of Bahia and Brazil;
  • Pharmacy, with an 1867 cabinet built exclusively for the Charity Hospital;
  • Apetrol-driven car, the first in Bahia and the oldest on display in Brazil.
Museu da Santa Casa de Misericórdia
Santa Casa de Misericórdia Museum in Salvador da BA

The space also houses

  • A room with paintings by the Baroque painter José Joaquim da Rocha, depicting the Passion of Christ;
  • Loggia, an architectural space with carving work in four types of marble, which was awarded to the museum by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN) in 1938;
  • Replica of the Wheel of the Exposed, set up by the Santa Casa in 1734.
Farmácia armazenava remédios do Hospital da Caridade no Museu da Misericórdia em Salvador da BA
Pharmacy stored medicines from the Charity Hospital

Importance and impact

The Misericórdia Museum offers an immersion in the history of health, politics and society in Salvador, with pieces that reflect the way of thinking and habits of past eras. It is a focal point for academic research as well as socio-cultural and educational activities aimed at different audiences.

Primeiro carro movido a gasolina da Bahia também compõe o acervo no Museu da Santa Casa de Misericórdia
Primeiro carro movido a gasolina da Bahia também compõe o acervo

Museologist Osvaldina Cezar emphasises: ‘The pieces reflect a way of thinking, habits and customs of a Brazil and Bahia of yesteryear, which allows us to carry out socio-cultural and educational activities aimed at different audiences. Everything in this museum speaks, everything in this museum tells a story.’

Museu da Santa Casa de Misericórdia
Museu da Santa Casa de Misericórdia

Visiting

The space is widely praised by Bahians and tourists for the quality of the guided tours, the state of conservation and the beauty of the pieces. It receives annual certifications, making it one of the most important museums in Salvador and Brazil. A visit to the Misericórdia Museum is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural and social history of Bahia.

15. Abelardo Rodrigues Museum

Rua Gregório de Matos, 45, Pelourinho

The Abelardo Rodrigues Museum is a world reference in Portuguese Baroque art, with a vast collection covering erudite and popular sacred art from Brazil from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The collection belongs to the Pernambuco collector Abelardo Rodrigues and is displayed in Solar Ferrão, a valuable colonial building.

Museu Abelardo Rodrigues em Salvador da Bahia
Abelardo Rodrigues Museum

The collection

The museum has

  • 800 images of saints;
  • Sacred artpaintings;
  • Oratories, altars and crucifixes;
  • Fragments of wood carvings.

Importance

The Abelardo Rodrigues Museum is notable for its rich collection of Baroque art and for preserving pieces that represent sacred art from the Brazilian colonial period. Solar Ferrão, where the museum is located, complements the experience with its historic architecture, offering a complete immersion in the aesthetics and history of the Baroque.

A visit to the museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of sacred art in Brazil and appreciate the beauty and complexity of works from the colonial period.

16. Museum of the Palace of Acclamation

Av. Sete de Setembro, 1.330, Passeio Público, Campo Grande

The Museum of the Palace of Acclamation occupies a former palace that served as the official residence of the governors and is an outstanding example of late 19th century architecture.

Museu do Palácio da Aclamação em Salvador da Bahia
Museum of the Palace of Acclamation

Collection

The museum houses a vast collection that includes:

  • Framed panels, garlands, bows and medallions painted by Presciliano Silva;
  • Furniture in the D. José and Louis XV styles;
  • Persian and Frenchporcelain, crystal, bronzes and carpets.

Importance

The space offers a detailed insight into the elegance and style of the imperial period, with a diverse collection that reflects the opulence and good taste of the time. The furniture and decorative objects provide an immersion in the luxury of the past, while the panels and paintings by Presciliano Silva add a significant artistic touch.

A visit to the Museum of the Palácio da Aclamação is an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of historic architecture and the cultural and artistic richness of late 19th century Salvador.

17. Basilica Cathedral of Salvador Museum

Praça 15 de Novembro, s/nº, Terreiro de Jesus, Historic Centre

The Basilica Cathedral Museum is located inside Salvador’s Basilica Cathedral, a historic building that is the fourth church built on the same site since the 17th century, replacing the old Jesuit College Church.

Catedral Basílica Primacial de Salvador
Cathedral Basilica of Salvador

Architecture and history

The Cathedral presents a mixture of architectural styles due to its various renovations over the years. The two towers display a combination of Baroque and Neoclassical styles, while the interior is enriched with a diversity of materials, including marble, gold, tortoiseshell ivory and rosewood.

Museum collection

The museum stands out for its collection, which includes:

  • Image of Our Lady of Lucas;
  • Gold and silver pieces.

Importance

The museum offers a rich cultural and historical experience, reflecting the opulence and religious importance of the cathedral. As well as being a point of interest for admirers of architecture and sacred art, the space is also notable for its connection with the famous priest Antônio Vieira, who died in the cathedral in 1697.

A visit to the Basilica Cathedral Museum provides an in-depth insight into the history and artistic heritage of Salvador, highlighting the cathedral’s influence and importance in the city’s historical context.

18. Henriqueta Catharino Museum of Ancient and Popular Art

Rua Monsenhor Floriano, 2, Instituto Feminino da Bahia, Politeama

The Henriqueta Catharino Museum of Ancient and Popular Art was founded in 1938 and is known for its diverse collection, which covers a wide range of historical and cultural objects.

Museu de Arte Antiga e Popular Henriqueta Catharino em Salvador BA
Henriqueta Catharino Museum of Ancient and Popular Art in Salvador BA

Collection

The museum has a remarkable collection that includes:

  • Rosewood furniture;
  • Garments, such as the tail and skirt worn by Princess Isabel when she signed the Golden Law;
  • Pope Pius X’s skullcap;
  • Sacred images.

Importance

The museum is an important institution that preserves and exhibits a rich heritage of art and culture, with a collection that highlights the intersection between sacred art and handicrafts, both Portuguese and northeastern. The inclusion of significant historical items, such as Princess Isabel’s garments and Pope Pius X’s skullcap, adds an additional layer of importance to the museum, connecting it to events and figures of historical relevance.

A visit to the Henriqueta Catharino Museum of Ancient and Popular Art offers a unique opportunity to explore the wealth of cultural and artistic heritage, reflecting the diversity and importance of the collections it encompasses.

19. Ilê Ohun Lailai Museum (Ilê Axé Opô Afonjá)

Rua Direita do Gonçalo, 557, São Gonçalo do Retiro

The Ilê Ohun Lailai Museum is located in the Ilê Axé Opô Afonjá terreiro, one of the oldest candomblé houses in Bahia, and is considered a national heritage site by IPHAN (National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute).

Museu Ilê Ohun Lailai (Ilê Axé Opô Afonjá)
Ilê Ohun Lailai Museum (Ilê Axé Opô Afonjá)

Collection

The museum has a significant collection of more than 750 works, which reflect the rich history and tradition of the Ilê Axé Opô Afonjá terreiro. The exhibitions include a variety of items related to Candomblé practices and rituals, offering a detailed insight into Afro-Brazilian culture and religion.

Importance

As one of the oldest candomblé terreiros in Bahia, Ilê Axé Opô Afonjá plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Afro-Brazilian traditions. By bringing together and exhibiting historical and cultural pieces, the museum not only celebrates this heritage, but also educates the public about the importance of candomblé in shaping Bahia’s cultural identity.

Visiting the Ilê Ohun Lailai Museum provides an immersive and educational experience about the spirituality and tradition of candomblé, reinforcing the relevance of the terreiro in preserving Afro-Brazilian practices and values.

20. Eugênio Teixeira de Leal Museum (Banco Econômico Memorial)

Rua J. Castro Rabello, 1, Pelourinho

The Eugênio Teixeira de Leal Museum, also known as the Banco Econômico Memorial, is an important cultural institution dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history of money and the social, economic, political and cultural trajectory of Bahia.

Museu Eugênio Teixeira de Leal ou Memorial do Banco Econômico
Eugênio Teixeira de Leal Museum

Collection

The museum has an extensive collection of approximately 5,000 items, including:

  • Coins and medals;
  • National and foreign decorations;
  • Furniture, paintings, plaques and trophies;
  • Documents, photographs, cassette tapes and videos.

Importance

The Eugênio Teixeira de Leal Museum offers a rich insight into the evolution of currency and the financial system, as well as providing a detailed panorama of Bahia’s history and culture. Its comprehensive and diverse collection not only sheds light on financial and monetary aspects, but also contextualises these elements within the social and historical setting of the region.

Visiting the museum is an opportunity to explore Bahia’s economic and cultural history through a wide range of artefacts and documents, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s economic and cultural evolution.

21. Geological Museum of Bahia

Av. Sete de Setembro, 2.195, Corredor da Vitória

The Geological Museum of Bahia is an important research and exhibition centre dedicated to geology, mining and palaeontology. With a diverse collection, the museum offers a rich educational and cultural experience.

Museu Geológico da Bahia
Geological Museum of Bahia

Collection

The museum has an impressive collection of 2,500 samples, including:

  • Quartz and various minerals, with an emphasis on crystals and granites;
  • Rocks, fossils and precious stones;
  • Documentation on mining and the history of the oil industry in Brazil.

Highlights

  • Bendegó meteorite: A remarkable piece that fell in Bahia in 1784 and is one of the largest meteorites found in Brazil.
  • Exclusive Space on Oil: Displays photos and panels detailing the history of the oil industry in Brazil.

Infrastructure

The museum also has a library specialising in geology and an art cinema, providing a culturally enriching and educational environment.

Visiting the Geological Museum of Bahia is an excellent opportunity to explore the geology of the region, learn about the history of mining and appreciate the significant impact of natural events, such as the fall of the Bendegó meteorite.

22. São Bento Museum

Av. Sete de Setembro, 1, Largo de São Bento, Centro

Founded in 1582, the São Bento Monastery has been a significant witness and active participant in the historical and cultural development of Salvador. Over more than 400 years, the Benedictine monks have preserved one of the rarest and oldest artistic and bibliographic collections in Latin America, reflecting the profound cultural, religious, and artistic richness of the region.

The São Bento Museum, located in the upper galleries of the Basilica of São Sebastião, showcases a representative selection of its vast collection, which contains more than two thousand pieces. These works offer visitors a panoramic view of Brazilian art history, from the colonial period to the 20th century. The selection was carefully curated with an educational approach, making it easier to understand the different periods and artistic styles.

Mosteiro de São Bento em Salvador BA
Monastery of São Bento in Salvador BA

Collection

  • Artworks: The collection includes paintings by renowned and anonymous artists, with highlights like José Joaquim da Rocha, founder of the Bahian School of Painting. Sculptures by Benedictine artists such as Frei Agostinho da Piedade, Frei Ricardo do Pilar, and Frei Agostinho de Jesus are also displayed.
  • Sacred Imagery: Featuring 223 pieces of sacred imagery, this section reflects the religious devotion of the era and the artists’ skill in portraying sacred figures.
  • Porcelain and Crystal: The decorative objects collection includes fine porcelain and crystal pieces, attesting to the cultural exchange between Brazil and Europe.
  • Goldsmithery and Furniture: Jewelry and liturgical objects made of gold, silver, and other precious metals, along with antique furniture, help recreate the historical atmosphere of the monastery.
  • Liturgical Vestments: Ceremonial garments and accessories used in religious rituals over the centuries, carefully preserved for display.

The museum presents the pieces in chronological order, tracing the evolution of Brazilian art from the 16th century, through the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. This layout allows visitors to understand the artistic transformations and influences of each period.

Temporary Exhibitions and Viewing Tower

In addition to its permanent collection, the São Bento Museum features a room dedicated to temporary exhibitions, often showcasing contemporary artists, fostering a dialogue between past and present art.

Another highlight is the viewing tower, located in the Santa Escolástica Tower, where visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the Bay of All Saints, with the Island of Itaparica in the distance.

The São Bento Museum thus offers a rich cultural and spiritual experience, allowing visitors to deeply immerse themselves in the history of art, religion, and architecture that shaped Brazil.

23. Tempostal Museum

Rua Gregório de Matos, 33, Pelourinho

Museu Tempostal em Salvador BA
Tempostal Museum in Salvador BA

The Tempostal Museum offers a rich journey back in time through photographs, postcards and stamps that illustrate the history of Salvador, other parts of Bahia and Brazil. Founded on the basis of the vast collection of Antônio Marcelino do Nascimento, the museum is an important centre for researchers and scholars interested in history and visual communication.

Collection

  • Postcards and Stamps: Includes a vast collection of postcards and stamps from the late 19th and mid-20th centuries.
  • Historical Photographs: Captures of belle époque Salvador and other locations, documenting urban and social evolution.
  • Adorned Cards: These are adorned with stones and feathers, representing a decorative and cultural aspect of the time.

Experience

  • Consultation and Exhibition: Part of the collection is displayed on the walls and rooms of the museum, while another part is available for consultation, providing a deep immersion in the history of the period.
  • Highlights: Urban prints from Salvador and elaborately decorated cards, offering a glimpse into the aesthetic and social practices of the past.

Features

The Tempostal Museum is an essential destination for those seeking to understand the visual and historical evolution of Salvador and Brazil, with a collection that bears witness to the development of visual communications over time.

24. Carmo Gate Museum

Praça José de Alencar, 13/19, Historic Centre, Senac Restaurant Building

The Museu das Portas do Carmo is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting significant vestiges of Salvador’s colonial history. Housed in part of the city’s original wall, discovered during restorations in 1973, the museum offers a unique insight into the founding and defence of Salvador.

Museu das Portas do Carmo em Salvador BA
Carmo Gate Museum in Salvador BA

Collection

  • Historic Wall: Display of part of the wall that originally protected the city of Salvador.
  • Weapons and Cannons: Includes war artefacts used during the colonial period, providing an insight into the defence strategies of the time.
  • Flags and Documents: Displays flags and historical documents that help contextualise the military and political history of colonial Brazil.

Experience

  • Installation: The museum structure is integrated into the old wall, offering an immersive experience in the historical context.
  • Exhibitions: Focuses on the history of Salvador’s defence and the colonial era, with a collection that complements the city’s historical narrative.

Features

The Museu das Portas do Carmo not only preserves physical parts of Salvador’s past, but also serves as an educational resource, revealing important details about the origins and defence of Brazil’s first capital.

25. Bahia Art Museum (MAB)

Av. 7 de Setembro, 2.340, Vitória

The Art Museum of Bahia is the oldest museum in the state, founded in 1918 and moved to its current location in 1982. It plays a fundamental role in preserving and exhibiting the art and culture of Salvador and Bahia.

Museu de Arte da Bahia (MAB)
Bahia Art Museum (MAB)

Collection

  • Paintings: The museum has a significant collection of paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, including works from the Italian, French, Flemish and Dutch schools. A highlight is ‘David with the Head of Goliath’, by Caravaggio.
  • Decorative Arts: The collection includes important decorative arts, such as oriental porcelain, as well as furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Painters from Bahia: Representations of local artists such as Presciliano Silva, Alberto Valença and Mendonça Filho.
  • Other items: Crystals, tapestries, jewellery, glass objects and sacred pieces.

Experience

  • Exhibitions: The MAB offers a rich visual experience with a wide range of paintings, furniture and decorative objects covering various periods and artistic styles.
  • Education and Culture: The museum also plays an important role in education and the promotion of local culture, offering temporary exhibitions, events and educational programmes.

Features

The Bahia Art Museum is an important cultural and historical centre, offering a comprehensive view of art and culture through the ages, both from Salvador and from outside influences that have shaped the region’s artistic heritage.

See also Bahia Art Museum is the oldest museum in Salvador

26. Monte Serrat Fort Armoury Museum

Largo da Boa Viagem, s/n, Boa Viagem

The Armoury Museum is located in the Monte Serrat Fort, one of the most imposing and well-preserved colonial fortifications in Brazil. Built in 1583 and completed in 1742, the fort was crucial to the defence of the city of Salvador, offering a strategic view over the Bay of All Saints.

Museu da Armaria do Forte de Monte Serrat
Monte Serrat Fort Armoury Museum

Collection

  • Weapons: The museum has a comprehensive collection of civilian and military weaponry, dating from the 16th century to the present day.
  • Military History: In addition to the weapons, the museum tells the military history of the colonial period and the use of the fort in Salvador’s defences, including significant events such as the resistance to the Dutch.

Features

  • Architecture: The Monte Serrat Fort is an outstanding example of colonial military construction, with round bastions and a panoramic view over the bay and Itaparica Island.
  • Location: The fort’s strategic position offers a privileged view, making a visit to the museum both a cultural and visually impressive experience.

Experience

  • Visits: The museum is a popular destination not only for those interested in military history, but also for those who want to enjoy the panoramic view and explore the fort’s colonial architecture.
  • Attraction: The fort’s location provides a breathtaking view of Todos os Santos Bay and Itaparica Island, enriching the visit with a unique historical and visual context.

27. Estácio de Lima Anthropological Museum (Nina Rodrigues Museum)

Centenário Avenue, Nina Rodrigues Forensic Institute Building, Vale dos Barris

The Estácio de Lima Anthropological Museum, also known as the Nina Rodrigues Museum, is located in the building of the Nina Rodrigues Forensic Medical Institute. The museum is an important reference for anthropological, cultural and historical studies.

Collection

  • Black culture: Objects used in liturgical rituals and other artefacts related to Afro-Brazilian culture.
  • Indigenous Culture: Items that represent the traditions and practices of indigenous peoples.
  • Cangaço: Items related to the cangaço, including weapons and personal belongings of notorious figures such as Lampião and Antônio Conselheiro.
  • Forensic Medicine: Exhibits on forensic medicine practices and techniques, as well as objects related to criminalistics.
  • Technical Police: Items and equipment used by the police and technical forces.

Features

  • Anthropological studies: The museum is dedicated to the study and preservation of Afro-Brazilian, indigenous and cangaço cultures, offering an in-depth look at these aspects of Brazilian history and society.
  • Education and Research: It serves as a resource for researchers and students interested in the fields of anthropology, history and culture.

Experience

  • Visits: The museum offers a comprehensive overview of different aspects of Brazilian culture and history, with a particular emphasis on historical practices and objects related to the cangaço and forensics.
  • Exhibitions: In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum can offer temporary exhibitions and educational events on topics relevant to its areas of specialisation.

28. Santa Casa de Misericórdia Museum

Rua da Misericórdia, 6, Sé

The Santa Casa de Misericórdia Museum is one of Salvador’s newest museums, founded to preserve and present the rich historical and artistic heritage of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Brazil’s oldest health institution.

Museu da Santa Casa de Misericórdia em Salvador BA
Santa Casa de Misericórdia Museum in Salvador BA

Collection

  • Paintings and Sculptures: Works from the 17th to the 20th centuries depicting aspects of Bahian history and culture.
  • Furniture: 19th century pieces that reflect the sophistication and style of the time.
  • Religiousand ceremonial items that highlight the tradition and spirituality of the institution.
  • Portuguese tiles: Panelling from the 18th century, highlighting the Portuguese influence on decoration and architecture.

Characteristics

  • History and Urban Evolution: The museum not only exhibits significant pieces, but also recalls the urban and social evolution of Salvador over the centuries.
  • New Wing (2008): This more recent section of the museum focuses on Santa Casa’s relationship with Bahian society, exploring the institution’s interaction with and influence on the local community.

Experience

  • Visits: The museum offers a rich cultural and historical experience, with exhibitions detailing the Santa Casa de Misericórdia’s impact on the city and society.
  • Events: May include temporary exhibitions and events that highlight specific aspects of the institution’s collection and history.

The Santa Casa de Misericórdia Museum is an important place for anyone wishing to better understand the history of Salvador and the lasting influence of the Santa Casa on the life of the city.

29. Udo Knoff Museum of Tiles and Ceramics

Rua Frei Vicente, Pelourinho

The Udo Knoff Museum of Tiles and Ceram ics is dedicated to the art of ceramics and tiles, bringing together a significant collection of historical and contemporary pieces.

Museu de Azulejaria e Cerâmica Udo Knoff em Salvador BA
Udo Knoff Museum of Tiles and Ceramics in Salvador BA

Collection

  • Total number of pieces: Approximately 1,200 items.
  • Pieces by Udo Knoff: Includes works by the German ceramist Udo Knoff and items collected by him.
  • Tiles: Pieces from the 17th to the 20th centuries, from Portugal, France, Holland, England, Mexico and Belgium.
  • National and foreign ceramics: Tiles and ceramics from Salvador and other countries.
  • Tools and Machinery: Equipment used in the production of tiles and ceramics.

Exhibitions

  • Ground Floor: ‘Azulejaria na Bahia’ exhibition, focusing on ceramic art and tiles in Bahia.
  • First Floor: ‘Art and Tiles’ exhibition, featuring photographs of buildings with tiles made by Udo Knoff’s workshop.

Features

  • Private Collection: The museum is the result of the personal collection of Udo Knoff, who settled in Salvador and dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of tiles and ceramics.
  • Collected pieces: Many pieces were rescued from houses in the process of being demolished in Bahia.
  • Lectures and guided tours: The museum promotes educational activities to enrich the visitors’ experience.

The Udo Knoff Museum of Tiles and Ceramics offers a rich insight into the art of ceramics and tiles, highlighting the historical and cultural importance of these elements in architecture and decoration.

See also History of the introduction of Portuguese tiles in Brazil

30. Rubens Freire de Carvalho de Tourinho Museum

Largo do Bonfim, s/nº, Church of Senhor do Bonfim, Bonfim

The Rubens Freire de Carvalho de Tourinho Museum, commonly known as the Ex-Voto Museum of the Church of Bonfim, is located within the famous religious site of Salvador, the Basílica Santuário do Senhor do Bonfim. The museum houses a fascinating collection of objects donated by devotees over three centuries, symbolizing fulfilled promises, miracles, and devotion to the Lord of Bonfim.

The museum plays an important role in Bahia’s religious and cultural history. It was reopened to the public in February 2018, after undergoing a requalification process led by museologist Genivalda Cândido da Silva and sacred art specialist Cássio Bêribá. This process involved a careful selection of the collection to create a more educational and accessible experience for visitors.

Museu Rubens Freire de Carvalho de Tourinho em Salvador BA
Rubens Freire de Carvalho de Tourinho Museum in Salvador BA

Collection

The museum’s collection is organized into three main sections:

  • Room of Miracles: This area displays items donated by devotees who received blessings, such as ex-votos made from various materials (gold, silver, bronze) representing healed body parts. It also includes personal items like weapons and military insignias, symbolizing miracles granted.
  • Sacred Art Hall: This hall contains an impressive collection of sacred images, sculptures, and paintings dating back to the 19th century, including works from the First Bahian School of Painting. Notable donations include pieces from José Teófilo de Jesus.
  • Liturgical Vestments Room: Dedicated to liturgical garments, this room presents centuries-old vestments and objects used in religious ceremonies, preserving the Catholic liturgical tradition.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to the museum can explore not only its rich collection of sacred art but also enjoy access to the church tower, a unique feature in Brazil. The tower offers panoramic views of the Bay of All Saints and the historic neighborhoods of Salvador.

By preserving and showcasing the history of faith and devotion, the museum has become a key destination for religious tourism and for those studying the art and culture of Bahia.

31. Museum of the Third Order of St Francis

Rua Inácio Aciolli, s/nº, Pelourinho

The Museum of the Third Order of St Francis is located in a historic building notable for its baroque architecture and sophisticated decoration.

Igreja e Museu da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco em Salvador BA
Church and Museum of the Third Order of St Francis in Salvador BA

Features and Collection

  • Construction: Founded in 1703, the building is known for its chiselled ashlar façade, a unique feature in Brazil that harks back to the Spanish Baroque.
  • Nave ceiling: The nave ceiling, with designs by Franco Velasco, was made in 1831, more than a hundred years after the church was founded.
  • Meeting Hall: The hall is lined with 16th century Portuguese tiles, offering a significant example of Portuguese ceramics.

Museum of Sacred Art

  • Collection: The museum displays a collection of sacred art, including religious pieces that illustrate the historical and cultural importance of the Third Order of St Francis and its contribution to sacred art in Brazil.

The Museum of the Third Order of St Francis offers a rich cultural and historical experience, reflecting the opulence of Baroque architecture and the importance of sacred art in Bahia.

32. Nativity Scene Museum

Rua Itabuna, 286, Parque Cruz Aguiar, Rio Vermelho

The Nativity Scene Museum is a space dedicated to sacred art, with a focus on representations of the birth of Jesus.

Characteristics and Collection

  • Creation: Founded in 1993, the museum was established to preserve and promote art related to the nativity scene.
  • Collection: The museum has around 50 pieces, including nativity scenes, machinery, oratories and engravings. These pieces offer a detailed and historical view of the birth of Jesus, reflecting different artistic styles and traditions.

The Nativity Scene Museum is a cultural destination for those wishing to explore the representation of Christ’s birth and the associated sacred art.

33. UFBA Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

Location: Praça 15 de Novembro, Terreiro de Jesus, s/nº, Former Faculty of Medicine.

The UFBA Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology is housed in the architectural remains of what was once the Royal College of the Jesuits, an imposing educational complex from the colonial period.

Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia da UFBA em Salvador BA
Ufba Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

The museum’s collection is divided into two main categories:

  • Archaeological: Includes pieces of ceramics, polished stone, chipped stone and fossils.
  • Ethnological: Includes ritual ornaments, utensils, fishing and cooking equipment and documents that portray the rich cultural diversity of the indigenous, black and European populations, as well as rock art.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the museum also organises temporary exhibitions that enrich the collection with new perspectives and discoveries.

Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia da Ufba
Ufba Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

Collection: Includes indigenous objects, paintings, photographs and much more.

34. Erotic Museum

Location: Rua Frei Vicente, 24, Pelourinho.

The Erotic Museum is housed in the headquarters of the Gay Group of Bahia (GGB) and brings together a unique collection of more than 400 pieces that represent popular erotic imagery from various countries.

The collection belongs to historian Marcelo Cerqueira, also president of the GGB, and stands out for its diverse pieces. Among the highlights are indigenous ceramics from Ceará and the thongs of Wai-wai women from Amazonas.

Collection: The museum presents erotic representations through handicrafts from the Northeast, the Amazon and Mexico, pre-Columbian art, French pop art and sex shop items.

35. Palacete das Artes

Location: Rua da Graça, 284 – Graça, Salvador

The Palacete das Artes, formerly known as the Palacete do Comendador Bernardo Martins Catharino or ‘Villa Catharino’, is an important cultural centre in Salvador. It was the first eclectic-style building to be listed by IPAC in 1986.

Palacete das Artes em Salvador BA
Palacete das Artes in Salvador BA

The palace’s environment, which includes gardens, a restaurant and space for children’s activities, is also dedicated to art and culture, providing an ideal setting for exhibitions and cultural events.

Inside the palace, the Mario Cravo Jr. Contemporary Room stands out, a space dedicated to temporary exhibitions by renowned artists from Bahia, Brazil and other countries.

The Palacete das Artes combines its rich history with a vibrant cultural programme, offering a complete experience for visitors.

36. Public Promenade

Location: Avenida Sete de Setembro, next to the Palácio da Acclamação and close to Largo do Campo Grande.

The Passeio Público is an open-air museum and one of the oldest green spaces in Salvador. Inaugurated in 1810 by the Count of Arcos, then governor of Bahia, the site underwent a significant restoration in 2015 and was reopened to visitors.

The space features restored sculptures, refurbished paving and upgraded or rebuilt pavements, providing visitors with an environment that combines historical beauty with modern infrastructure.

It is an ideal place for strolling and appreciating the city’s artistic and landscape heritage.

37. Solar do Ferrão

Location: Rua Gregório de Matos, Pelourinho, Historic Centre of Salvador.

Solar do Ferrão is an important space for art, culture and memory located in the Historic Centre of Salvador.

Listed by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN) in 1938, the mansion was built between the late 17th and early 18th centuries and has six floors.

Solar do Ferrão em Salvador BA
Solar do Ferrão in Salvador BA

Inside the manor house you’ll find

  • Solar Ferrão Gallery
  • Abelardo Rodrigues Museum
  • Claudio Masella African Art Collection
  • Popular Art Collection
  • Walter Smetak Sound Art Collection
  • Emília Biancardi Traditional Musical Instruments Collection

Each of these collections offers a rich insight into different aspects of art and culture, reflecting the diversity and richness of Bahia’s and Brazil’s cultural heritage.

38. Bahia City of Music

Location: Casarão dos Azulejos Azuis, Comércio neighbourhood, Salvador, near the Lacerda Elevator and Mercado Modelo.

The Cidade da Música da Bahia is housed in the historic Casarão dos Azulejos Azuis, a building dating from the 1850s. Located in the vibrant centre of Salvador, the building has been completely restored and transformed into a cultural centre dedicated to the city’s rich musical heritage.

Museu Cidade da Música da Bahia
Bahia City of Music

Spaces and Attractions

Ground floor
  • Reception, ticket office, lounge, café, shop, library, media library, research centre and cultural centre infrastructure area.
First Floor
  • The City of Salvador and Its Music: Exhibition that explores the city’s neighbourhoods, their music and stories. It includes a large interactive model, three large projection screens, consultation stations and a studio for recording testimonies.
Second Floor
  • History of Music in Bahia: Exhibition with nine video booths.
  • The Magic of the Orchestra: Focuses on classical music.
  • The City’s New Music: 80-inch screen showing videos of new groups and up-and-coming singers.
  • Who Makes Bahia’s Music: Room with 260 testimonies from the most important and representative figures in Bahian music.
Third Floor
  • Educational Entertainment: Studio and mixing booth.
  • Karaokêteka: A space where visitors can record their own clip with a chosen background, which can be shared on social networks. A video station displays all the recorded clips.

Cidade da Música da Bahia offers a complete and immersive musical experience, celebrating the diversity and innovation of the Bahian music scene through interactive and educational exhibitions.

39. Baianas de Acarajé Memorial

Location: Praça da Sé, next to the Monument of the Fallen Cross, Historic Centre, Salvador.

Inaugurated in 2009, the Baianas de Acarajé Memorial is a space dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural tradition of the baianas de acarajé. This craft was recognised as Brazilian cultural heritage by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN) on 14 January 2005.

MEMORIAL DAS BAIANAS
Facade of the Baianas de Acarajé Memorial in Salvador

Spaces and Attractions

  • Kitchen: An area where you can observe the preparation of acarajé, offering a practical insight into traditional cookery.
  • Workshop Room: A space for teaching and practising the techniques involved in making acarajé and other Bahian culinary specialities.
  • Exhibition Rooms: Display the history, images and clothing of the baianas de acarajé, highlighting their cultural and social role.
  • Reference Centre: Offers information and resources on the tradition of acarajé and the baianas who keep this practice alive.

The memorial also serves as a meeting point for events and activities aimed at publicising regional gastronomy, especially acarajé, and for cultural events that celebrate and promote Bahia’s rich tradition.

The space has been revitalised with the aim of maintaining its function as a permanent exhibition and as a centre for the promotion of local culture, guaranteeing the preservation and appreciation of the legacy of the baianas de acarajé.

Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide to Bahia and Salvador.

Tourist Guide to the Museums of Salvador da Bahia

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