Casa do Carnaval da Bahia: A Celebration of Bahian Carnival
Immerse yourself in the vibrant history and culture of Bahia's world-famous Carnival at this interactive museum in Salvador's Pelourinho district.
Casa do Carnaval da Bahia is a captivating museum located in the heart of Salvador's historic Pelourinho. Opened in February 2018, it's dedicated to showcasing the history, music, and traditions of Bahia's spectacular Carnival. Housed in a beautifully restored building, the museum provides an immersive and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. The museum features four floors of exhibits, including video projections, scale models, costumes, and musical instruments donated by Carnival artists. Visitors can explore the evolution of Carnival through historical documents, photographs, and interactive displays. Two cinemas allow guests to learn Carnival rhythms and dance moves with the help of monitors, and even try on costumes. The museum also has a basement with digital content for Carnival research. One of the highlights is the rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views of the All Saints Bay and the Lower City. The museum is curated by Gringo Cardia, who also curated the Casa do Rio Vermelho – Jorge Amado and Zélia Gattai. Casa do Carnaval is more than just a museum; it's a celebration of Bahian identity, culture, and the transformative power of Carnival.
Local tips
- Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and have a more relaxed experience.
- Take advantage of the audio guides available in English and Portuguese for a more informative tour.
- Check out the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the city and the Bay of All Saints.
- Don't miss the interactive cinema where you can learn Carnival dance moves and try on costumes.
A brief summary to Casa do Carnaval da Bahia
- Praça Ramos de Queirós, s/n, Salvador, Pelourinho, State of Bahia, 40026-055, BR
- +55713324-6760
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Getting There
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Walking
The Casa do Carnaval da Bahia is located in the Pelourinho district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From Terreiro de Jesus, walk north towards the Catedral Basílica. The museum is next to the Plano Inclinado Gonçalves, easily identified by the colorful Zambiapunga heads. No costs are associated with walking.
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Public Transport
From other parts of Salvador, take the subway to the Campo da Pólvora station. From there, take a local bus to the Pelourinho. Buses frequently circulate the area. Once in Pelourinho, follow the walking directions. The bus fare is R$5.20.
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Ride Share
Use a ride-sharing app such as Uber or 99 to get to the Pelourinho. Enter 'Casa do Carnaval da Bahia' as your destination. From the drop-off point in Pelourinho, follow the walking directions. A short ride from Barra or other nearby locations typically costs R$15-R$25.
