The building was originally constructed to be the Customs House (Alfândega) of Maceió, reflecting the economic importance of the Jaraguá port in the 1800s.
The collection includes rare phonographic records that document the evolution of regional musical genres in Alagoas.
MISA houses a specialized 'Memory Room' dedicated to local icons and significant regional historical figures.
The museum serves as an important archive for the history of Maceió's radio and television broadcast heritage.
The structure survived various urban transformations of Jaraguá, which was once the most prosperous and bustling commercial hub of the city.
The Museum of Image and Sound of Alagoas (MISA) is located in the historic Jaraguá district of Maceió, housed within a restored 19th-century neoclassical building that formerly functioned as an customs house. The museum preserves the intangible and visual heritage of the state of Alagoas through extensive collections of photographs, phonographic recordings, and cinematographic equipment. Its permanent exhibition explores the cultural evolution of the region, featuring archives of local musical movements, political history, and societal shifts. MISA serves as a primary repository for Alagoan oral history, documenting personal narratives that track the urbanization and development of Maceió. The building itself is a preserved heritage site, showcasing the architectural aesthetic of the city's former port area. Visitors can engage with curated displays of analog recording technology and vintage audiovisual gear. The institution frequently hosts temporary exhibitions dedicated to local visual artists and regional photography. It functions as a key research center for students and historians studying northeastern Brazilian culture.
The yellow neoclassical facade of the museum building against the backdrop of the historic Jaraguá streetscape.
Visit the surrounding Jaraguá neighborhood, which is currently undergoing a revitalization and features several other historic buildings.
Inquire at the front desk about their rotating exhibits, as the museum frequently spotlights contemporary local photographers.
Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby port area to see the transition between old harbor architecture and modern city development.
Avoid visiting late at night, as the historic Jaraguá district can become isolated and less pedestrian-friendly after business hours.
Closed on Mondays.
