The museum collection originated from the 'Pinacoteca do Estado', established in the 19th century.
The institution is located in a historic mansion that once served as a private residence for the local elite.
It holds one of the most important collections of Chinese porcelain in Brazil.
The building features an internal courtyard and architecture that reflects the transition between colonial styles and early 20th-century urban design.
The Bahia Museum of Art (MAB) is the oldest museum in the state of Bahia, housed within a 20th-century mansion in the Corredor da Vitória district. Its collection spans from the 17th to the 20th century, focusing on decorative arts, painting, and sculpture. The museum preserves a significant assemblage of sacred art, colonial furniture, and porcelain originating from the Portuguese Empire. It serves as a cultural hub hosting rotating exhibitions, lectures, and musical performances in its internal auditorium. The institution maintains a specialized library focusing on art history and Bahian cultural heritage. Its architecture preserves the aesthetic of traditional elite residences in Salvador, featuring high ceilings and period structural details.
The internal architecture of the mansion and the ornate period furniture displays.
Combine your visit with a walk along the Corredor da Vitória for scenic bay views.
Check the museum's social media channels for the latest temporary exhibition schedule before arriving.
Visit the onsite library if you are researching specific aspects of Bahian history or art.
Do not mistake it for the Museum of Modern Art (MAM), which is located in a different part of the city.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet demeanor appropriate for an art institution and refrain from touching exhibits.
