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Museu Afro-Brasileiro: A Tribute to Afro-Brazilian Heritage

Explore the rich legacy of African culture in Brazil at the Museu Afro-Brasileiro in Salvador's historic district.

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The Museu Afro-Brasileiro (MAFRO) in Salvador, Bahia, is dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of Afro-Brazilian culture. Located in the historic Faculty of Medicine building, it features an extensive collection of artifacts showcasing African heritage and its influence on Brazilian society.

A brief summary to Cultural Afro Brazilian Museum

  • Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience.
  • Check the museum's schedule for temporary exhibitions and special events.
  • Allocate at least two hours to fully explore the museum's displays.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the Pelourinho, a nearby UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Museu Afro-Brasileiro is located in the Pelourinho district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the Elevador Lacerda, a prominent landmark connecting the upper and lower cities, walk approximately 0.2 miles. Head east on Rua da Misericórdia toward Praça Tomé de Souza. Continue onto Praça da Sé, then turn right onto Rua Alfredo de Brito. Finally, turn left onto Rua das Vassouras. The museum will be on your left. There are no tolls or specific access fees for walking to the museum.

  • Public Transport

    From the Salvador Airport, take the Metro Line 2 (Blue Line) to the Acesso Norte Station. Transfer to Line 1 (Red Line) and continue to Lapa Station. From Lapa Station, take a taxi or bus to Pelourinho. Bus tickets cost approximately R$4.90. Alternatively, from the Praça da Sé, several local buses pass near the Museu Afro-Brasileiro. Check local bus routes for the most convenient option. The cost is approximately R$5.20.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and 99 are readily available in Salvador. From the Salvador Airport to the Museu Afro-Brasileiro, a taxi or ride-share will cost approximately R$50-R$150, depending on traffic and time of day. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes. From Lapa Station to the Museu, a taxi ride will cost around R$15.20.

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Discover more about Cultural Afro Brazilian Museum

The Museu Afro-Brasileiro (MAFRO), established in 1982, stands as a vital institution for the preservation, research, and promotion of Afro-Brazilian heritage. Situated in the historic center of Salvador, within the former Faculty of Medicine building, MAFRO boasts a collection of over 1,100 pieces of African and Afro-Brazilian cultural material. The museum's collection is divided into two main axes: African Material Culture and Afro-Brazilian Material Culture. The African collection features objects acquired in the 1970s by anthropologist Pierre Verger, primarily from West Africa, especially the Gulf of Benin. The Afro-Brazilian collection includes objects related to Afro-Brazilian religion, such as Candomblé, including a set of cedar carvings by Carybé representing the Orixás. MAFRO actively contributes to the understanding of the historical, artistic, and ethnographic aspects of African societies and their impact on Brazilian culture. It serves as a space for dialogue and identity for black communities in Bahia and Brazil, fostering connections with African countries and diasporas. The museum offers a range of exhibitions, courses, and publications, providing resources for researchers and students.

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