Salvador Art Galleries

(Salvador, Bahia, Brazil)

Many tourists coming to Salvador choose to visit at least one of two of its art galleries and museums, which are home to some of Bahia's most noteworthy art collections. Salvador is also very much known for its rich handicraft legacy, and so you can expect to see lots of cultural pieces made with seashells, wood and clay.

If contemporary canvasses and sculptures are your thing, then do try to leave time to check out the exhibits at the Museu de Arte Moderna (Museum of Modern Art) on the Avenida do Contorno, which is also amongst the best places in Salvador to enjoy sunsets. The Museu de Arte Moderna also features jazz concerts and other events on some Saturday evenings. Other appealing galleries include the Museu Afro Brasileiro (Afro Brazilian Museum) on the Terreiro de Jesus, the Museu de Arte Sacra da Bahia (Museum of Sacred Art) on the Rua do Sodré, and the Museu de Arte da Bahia - MAB (Bahia Art Museum) on the Avenida 7 de Setembro.

Museu Afro Brasileiro (Afro Brazilian Museum)

Address: Terreiro de Jesus, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 071 3321 2013
The Museu Afro Brasileiro contains one of the most important and notable collections in the whole of Bahia, being filled with a host of traditional Brazilian handicrafts and historical artefacts. These include everything from wood carvings and hand-woven baskets, to pottery and ceramics. Particularly special is a room where no less than 27 enormous carved wooden panels are displayed, created by the acclaimed local artist Héctor Julio Páride Bernabó (1911 to 1997), often known as Carybé, who was born in Argentina and spent much of his life living in Salvador. Each of these panels depicts an orixá (an Afro-Brazilian deity) with weapons. Also of note is the photography exhibition, as well as the collection of sacred relics relating to the Candomblé religion - an integral part of Bahian culture.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Museu de Arte Sacra da Bahia (Museum of Sacred Art)

Address: Rua do Sodré 276, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 071 3243 6511
Situated on the Rua do Sodré and housed within a charming cloister dating as far back as the 17th century, the Museu de Arte Sacra da Bahia is famed for its stunning views of the bayfront, as well as its towering stone walls and charming courtyard. The collection of sacred art includes pieces from both the 17th century and the 18th century, and these are displayed in the former quarters of the Carmelitas Descalcos monks. Of particular interest are the intricate carvings originating from the Igreja da Sé - a church that was demolished many years ago.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 11:30 to 17:30
Admission: charge

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

Address: Avenida 7 de Setembro 2340, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 071 3117 6902
Housed within an imposing neo-colonial building, the Museu de Arte da Bahia is brimming with art works created by local Bahian artists, including a series of paintings by renowned local artist José Teófilo de Jesus (1758 to 1847). Other highlights include numerous antique furnishings, Chinese porcelain, golden jewellery, well-preserved old tapestries, and ornamental buckles made from silver.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 14:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

Museu de Arte Moderna (Museum of Modern Art)

Address: Avenida do Contorno, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 071 3329 0660
The Museu de Arte Moderna is located in the Solar do Unhao building, on the Avenida do Contorno, which dates back to the 18th century and was once used as the point for transferring shipments of sugar. This museum features a changing display of exhibits, along with a restaurant, an art workshop and an elevated sculpture garden with enviable views of the bay below. Of interest, it is said that the ghosts of slaves now haunt the Solar do Unhao - so keep a look out for anything strange!
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: free