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Sacred Art Museum of Pernambuco: A Spiritual Journey Through Art

Discover Brazil's spiritual and artistic heritage at the Sacred Art Museum of Pernambuco in Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century building that once served as the House of Representatives and the Bishop's Palace, the Sacred Art Museum of Pernambuco in Olinda showcases a diverse collection of religious art and artifacts dating back to the 16th century. Visitors can explore the fusion of indigenous, African, and European influences in Brazilian art.

A brief summary to Sacred Art Museum of Pernambuco

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 2 pm-4:45 pm
  • Sunday 2 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Allocate ample time to fully appreciate the beauty and significance of the artworks and enjoy the museum's peaceful environment.
  • Check for temporary exhibitions and workshops to enhance your visit.
  • Explore the serene gardens surrounding the museum for a moment of reflection.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Sacred Art Museum of Pernambuco is located in the historic Carmo neighborhood of Olinda. From Carmo Square, walk northeast on Rua da Boa Hora, then turn left onto Ladeira da Misericórdia. Continue onto Rua Bispo Coutinho; the museum will be on your right. The walk is approximately 500 meters and should take about 10 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From Recife, take the bus line 910 Piedade/Rio Doce towards Olinda. The bus will drop you off at Avenida Olinda I. From there, you can take a taxi or walk to the museum. The bus fare is approximately R$4.50. From Avenida Olinda I to the museum is approximately 2 kilometers.

  • Taxi

    From Recife, a taxi to the Sacred Art Museum of Pernambuco in Olinda will cost approximately R$40-R$50. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are readily available in Recife.

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Discover more about Sacred Art Museum of Pernambuco

The Sacred Art Museum of Pernambuco (Museu de Arte Sacra de Pernambuco - MASPE) is a captivating journey into Brazil's rich spiritual and artistic heritage, nestled in the heart of Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century building, one of the first in Olinda, initially founded in 1537 by Duarte Coelho as the Town Hall. In 1676, it became the Episcopal Palace for Olinda's first Bishop, Dom Estevão Brioso de Figueiredo. Inaugurated on April 11, 1977, the museum's collection features a diverse array of religious art, including Baroque sculptures, intricate paintings, and rare artifacts from the colonial period. One of the highlights is its collection of works illustrating the fusion of indigenous, African, and European influences in Brazilian art, providing insight into the spiritual life of Pernambuco. Visitors can marvel at pieces representing the syncretism of faiths in the region. The museum's collection comprises over 12,000 art pieces, including panels about the battles of Monte Guararapes and Tabocas. The collection includes colonial paintings made by Indians in workshops run by Jesuits, as well as wooden, clay, and plaster images sculpted by popular artists. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and workshops, making it a dynamic space for locals and tourists alike. The serene gardens surrounding the museum offer a perfect spot for reflection.

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