Pierre Verger lived in Salvador for decades and was initiated into the Candomblé religion as a babalawo.
The fort was originally constructed in 1614 and underwent significant reconstruction following a Dutch invasion attempt in 1624.
The interior of the fort features a 'digital wall' that allows visitors to browse the photographer's extensive collection of negatives.
Verger's archive was classified as a Memory of the World by UNESCO in 2005.
The fort's stone masonry retains original cannons and defensive architectural elements from the colonial period.
The Pierre Verger Space of Bahia Photography is located inside the 17th-century Santa Maria Fort in Salvador, Bahia. The gallery is dedicated to the life and ethnographic work of French photographer Pierre Verger, who documented the cultural links between Bahia and the African continent. The fort itself is a historical defensive structure built to protect the entrance to the Bay of All Saints. It sits directly on the edge of the Porto da Barra beach, one of Salvador's most popular swimming spots. The exhibition space uses digital technology to display thousands of Verger's photographic negatives. Visitors can access the fort's terrace for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastal geography. The museum serves as a research and conservation hub for the photographer's vast visual archive.
The upper ramparts of the fort facing the ocean, providing a clear view of the sunset over the Bay of All Saints.
Combine your visit with a swim at the adjacent Porto da Barra beach.
Visit the fort's upper terrace just before sunset for the best lighting over the bay.
Check the digital interactive exhibits carefully, as they contain high-resolution scans of the original negatives.
Do not attempt to visit on Mondays, as the facility is typically closed for maintenance.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a respectful volume inside the gallery space; avoid touching the digital displays with wet swimwear.
