
Best Museums & Art Galleries in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
1. Museum of Modern Art - Afro Brazil (MAM-AFRO)
Showcases African influences on Brazilian art, with a focus on Salvador. Offers temporary exhibitions.
- Unique Collection: One of the largest collections dedicated to Afro-Brazilian culture.
- Temporary Exhibitions: Features changing exhibits that showcase different aspects of Afro-Brazilian art.
- Community Engagement: Involves local artists and communities in its programming.
2. Museu de Arte Contemporânea da Bahia (MAC-BA)
Presents contemporary art with a focus on Brazilian artists. Features temporary exhibitions.
- Large Collection: Boasts one of the largest collections of contemporary Brazilian art.
- Temporary Exhibits: Frequently changes its exhibitions to showcase a variety of contemporary artists.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops, lectures, and other educational opportunities for visitors.
3. Igreja e Museu São Francisco
Baroque church with an ornate gold-plated interior. Features a museum showcasing colonial art and artifacts.
- Golden Interiors: The church's interior is adorned with extensive gold leaf, making it one of the most opulent in the world.
- Colonial Art and Artifacts: Museum showcases a collection of art and artifacts from the colonial period.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest churches in Salvador, with a rich history dating back to the 16th century.
4. Pinacoteca de Bahia
Presents a collection of Brazilian art from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Features temporary exhibitions.
- Historic Building: Located in a former palace, showcasing its original architecture.
- Brazilian Art Focus: Features a comprehensive collection of Brazilian art from various periods.
- Temporary Exhibits: Frequently changes its exhibitions to showcase different aspects of Brazilian art history.
5. Museu Casa do Benin
Dedicated to the rich culture and history of the Kingdom of Dahomey (Benin). Features artifacts, art, and historical documents.
- African Art Focus: One of the most comprehensive collections of African art in Brazil.
- Historical Documents: Features historical documents about the Kingdom of Dahomey and its influence on Salvador.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes cultural exchange between Africa and Brazil through its exhibitions and educational programs.
6. Museu de Arte Popular Africana (MAPA)
Showcases traditional African art alongside pieces created by contemporary African artists. Offers workshops and educational programs.
- African Art Focus: Features a wide variety of traditional and contemporary African art.
- Workshops and Education: Offers workshops and educational programs to engage visitors with the art and culture.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes cultural exchange between Africa and Brazil through its exhibitions and events.
7. Museu de Arte Abstraída (MAA)
Focuses on abstract art with a collection spanning the 20th and 21st centuries. Offers temporary exhibitions.
- Abstract Art Focus: One of the largest collections of abstract art in Brazil.
- Temporary Exhibits: Frequently changes its exhibitions to showcase different aspects of abstract art.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops, lectures, and other educational opportunities for visitors.
8. Museu da Cidade (City Museum)
Displays the history of Salvador from pre-colonial times to the present. Features historical artifacts and exhibits.
- Comprehensive History: Covers the history of Salvador from pre-colonial times to the present.
- Historical Artifacts: Features historical artifacts that tell the story of Salvador's past.
- Local Perspective: Provides a local perspective on the history and culture of Salvador.
9. Museu da Capela de São João Baptista dos Necessitados
Baroque chapel with intricate gold leaf designs. Features a collection of colonial art and religious artifacts.
- Golden Interiors: The chapel's interior is adorned with extensive gold leaf, making it one of the most opulent in the world.
- Colonial Art and Artifacts: Museum showcases a collection of art and artifacts from the colonial period.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest chapels in Salvador, with a rich history dating back to the 16th century.
10. Museu da Paraíba do Sul
Focuses on art and culture from the northeastern region of Brazil. Features temporary exhibitions.
- Regional Focus: Features a collection dedicated to the art and culture of the northeastern region of Brazil.
- Temporary Exhibits: Frequently changes its exhibitions to showcase different aspects of northeastern art and culture.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops, lectures, and other educational opportunities for visitors.
11. Museu do Carnaval
Dedicated to the history and traditions of Salvador's famous Carnival. Features costumes, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.
- Carnival Focus: Features a collection dedicated to the history and traditions of Salvador's Carnival.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience different aspects of Carnival.
- Costumes and Artifacts: Displays an extensive collection of costumes, masks, and other artifacts related to Carnival.
12. Museu de Arte e Cultura Afro-Brasileira (MACA)
Showcases the influence of African cultures on Brazilian art and culture. Features temporary exhibitions.
- African Influence Focus: Features a collection dedicated to the influence of African cultures on Brazilian art and culture.
- Temporary Exhibits: Frequently changes its exhibitions to showcase different aspects of Afro-Brazilian art and culture.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops, lectures, and other educational opportunities for visitors.
13. Museu da Cidade de Pelourinho
Focuses on the history of the historic district of Pelourinho. Features historical artifacts and exhibits.
- Historic District Focus: Covers the history of Salvador's historic district, Pelourinho.
- Historical Artifacts: Features historical artifacts that tell the story of Pelourinho's past.
- Local Perspective: Provides a local perspective on the history and culture of Pelourinho.
14. Museu da Cultura do Bom Jesus dos Milagres
Showcases the traditions and history of one of Salvador's most famous religious celebrations. Features artifacts, art, and historical documents.
- Religious Celebration Focus: Features a collection dedicated to the history and traditions of the Bom Jesus dos Milagres celebration.
- Artifacts, Art, and Historical Documents: Displays an extensive collection of artifacts, art, and historical documents related to the celebration.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes cultural exchange between different religious communities in Salvador.
15. Museu da Terra (Earth Museum)
Focuses on the natural history of Bahia, including its geology, flora, and fauna. Features interactive exhibits.
- Natural History Focus: Features a collection dedicated to the natural history of Bahia.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about Bahia's geology, flora, and fauna.
- Local Perspective: Provides a local perspective on the natural history of Bahia and its importance to the region.