showcases work from Brazil and around the world. Browse masterpieces by both up-and-coming and internationally famed artists. Look inside artist workshops and listen to jazz concerts. The Museum of Modern Art is the creation of Italian-Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi. She transformed a 17th-century seafront estate called Solar do Unhão into a cultural centre.
Begin your visit with a tour of the colonial mansion, which houses a permanent collection of 1,000 works by leading contemporary artists from across the nation. Spot pieces by Djanira da Motta e Silva, Rubem Valentim and Tarsilia do Amaral. There’s also a space for travelling exhibitions borrowed from international institutions. It features masters such as Francisco de Goya and Pablo Picasso.
Go to the chapel to see rotating expositions of audio visual, painting and sculpture displays, among other art genres. Glimpse into the studios of artists and observe students participating in drawing, painting and sculpture courses.
Walk down the right-hand side of the chapel to a waterfront viewing platform with uninterrupted views over the Bay of All Saints. Watch boats come and go from the marina and marvel at the colourful Gamboa favela (shantytown). On clear days you can make out the tropical landscapes of Ilha de Itaparica. Arrive late in the afternoon and stick around to appreciate the superb sunsets.
The museum’s restaurant offers a great sunset-viewing location, too, in addition to a selection of Bahian food and drink. Come on a Saturday evening when the Jam no MAM jazz band entertain visitors with outdoor shows.
Located in the Dois de Julho neighbourhood, the museum is about a 15-minute drive from Salvador’s city centre. The most convenient way to get here is via taxi. Parking is available inside the complex.
The Museum of Modern Art is open from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free. There’s an admission fee for the jazz concerts. Full details are listed on the Jam no MAM’s official website.
