The Afro-Brazilian Museum, known in Portuguese as the Museu Afro-Brasileiro, is a museum dedicated to African and Afro-Brazilian culture, history and art. It stands on the Terreiro de Jesus in the Centro Histórico of Salvador, in the state of Bahia, on the northeast coast of Brazil.
The building
The museum occupies the former Faculty of Medicine building, which places its exhibits within the historic heart of the city. Visitors come for the collections themselves, and for the chance to see how the building and its square shape the experience of walking from room to room.
What you will see
The museum holds extensive collections that cover several areas of life and history:
- Religious artifacts, reflecting the spiritual traditions brought and shaped in Brazil
- Artwork, including pieces that engage with African and Afro-Brazilian themes
- Historical objects, which help trace the presence and contributions of African-descended people in the country
Planning your visit
The museum is well suited to a slower visit, ideally with time to read the displays and linger over objects that interest you. Because it sits on the Terreiro de Jesus, it pairs easily with a walk through the surrounding historic district, where colonial architecture and the square itself give a sense of the city's long past.
For current details, you can call the museum at +55 71 3283-5540. The address is Terreiro de Jesus, s/n, Centro Histórico, Salvador, BA 40025-001, Brazil.