4 Must-See Museums in Salvador: Art, History and Culture

Published on April 20, 2026 · Updated on May 2, 2026

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A quick cultural guide to Salvador’s most popular museums, with practical tips on how to make the most of each visit.

Salvador is a cultural hub where art, history and music come together. If you’re looking for a cultural itinerary in the city, be sure to visit the four most popular museums: the Museum of Modern Art of Bahia (MAM), the Museum of Art of Bahia (MAB), the Casa das Histórias de Salvador and the Cidade da Música da Bahia.

Videos about the museums in Salvador

Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia em Salvador

Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia (MAM)04:10

Museu de Arte da Bahia (MAB)26:01

Casa das Histórias de Salvador02:46

Casa da Música da Bahia02:36

Discover Salvador’s 39 museums too.

1. Museum of Modern Art of Bahia (MAM)

Overlooking Todos-os-Santos Bay, the MAM is a leading venue for contemporary exhibitions and cultural events. Visit the permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions. Tip: the sunset makes for some incredible photos.

What to see: contemporary exhibitions, workshops and cultural activities
Top tip: combine it with a stroll along the seafront
Address: Av. Contorno, no. — Solar do Unhão

Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia (MAM) — Museum of Modern Art of Bahia (MAM)

Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia — Museum of Modern Art of Bahia

2. Bahia Art Museum (MAB)

With collections of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts, the MAB is ideal for those who appreciate Brazilian religious and modern art. Check the exhibition schedules and guided tours.

What to see: permanent collection, temporary exhibitions
Top tip: visit on a free admission day, where available
Address: Praça da Sé, s/n — Pelourinho

3. Salvador Story House

A space dedicated to the memory and history of Salvador, featuring exhibitions that trace the city’s social and urban development — ideal for families and anyone exploring the Historic Centre.

What to see: exhibitions on local history
Top tip: combine it with a stroll through Pelourinho
Address: Rua da Bélgica, 2 — Retail

4. City of Music, Bahia

A cultural venue dedicated to the Bahian music scene — it organises concerts, workshops and exhibitions related to music. The perfect place to experience local rhythms such as axé and samba-reggae.

What to see: performances, workshops, music exhibitions
Handy tip: check out the schedule for concerts and special events
Address: Praça Visconde de Cayru, 19 – Comércio

Practical tips for visitors

Plan your visit by neighbourhood: many museums are located in the Historic Centre and can be visited on foot.
Please check opening times and whether booking is required on each museum’s official website.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring some water — Salvador has steep hills and strong sunshine.
Make use of guides and audio guides where available to gain a better understanding of the context.

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →