All photography museums to visit in Brazil

Capture the essence of photography at 28 museums in Brazil dedicated to this visual art form. These museums showcase historical and contemporary photographs, equipment, and techniques.

Are you a photography enthusiast? These are the best photography museums in Brazil:

  1. Jorge Amado House1

    Jorge Amado House

     Salvador
    The Jorge Amado House Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization located in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. It is a cultural institution that offers various activities and serves as a research center with documentation about Jorge Amado, Zélia Gattai, and Bahian literature. The foundation's mission is to preserve, research, and disseminate the bibliographic and artistic collections of Jorge Amado, as well as to encourage and support studies and research on the writer's life and on Bahian art and literature.
  2. Rio Museum of Art2

    Rio Museum of Art

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR), or Rio Museum of Art, is a significant cultural institution in Rio de Janeiro. It was inaugurated on March 1, 2013, and is maintained through a partnership between the city's public bodies and private initiatives. This collaboration ensures the museum's sustainability and allows it to continue to offer a rich array of art and cultural experiences to its visitors.
  3. Imperial Palace3

    Imperial Palace

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Imperial Palace, also known as Paço Imperial, is a significant historical site located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This Baroque colonial building stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural prowess. It was built in the 18th century and has served as the residence for governors, viceroys, King Juan VI, and emperors. Today, it is a cultural center, attracting visitors from around the world with its aesthetic appeal and historical significance.
  4. Museum of Modern Art4

    Museum of Modern Art

     Salvador
    The Museum of Modern Art of Bahia (MAM-BA) is a significant cultural institution located in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. It is a hub for modern art and offers a unique insight into the artistic landscape of the region.
  5. Museu da Casa Brasileira5

    Museu da Casa Brasileira

     São Paulo
    The Museu da Casa Brasileira (MCB) in São Paulo is a museum that focuses on the aspects of Brazilian living through the lens of architecture and design. For over five decades, it has established itself as a national and international reference in these fields. The museum promotes programs such as the MCB Design Award, a competition created in 1986 to encourage Brazilian production in the segment, and the 'Houses of Brazil' project, aimed at preserving the memory of the diversity of Brazilian living.
  6. Afro-Brasileira Museum6

    Afro-Brasileira Museum

     Salvador
    The Afro-Brazilian Museum, also known as Mafro, is an ethnographic museum situated within the Faculty of Medicine at the Federal University of Bahia in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. This location offers a unique blend of cultural and academic significance, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in the rich Afro-Brazilian heritage.
  7. Casa Número Uno7

    Casa Número Uno

     São Paulo
    Casa Número Uno is part of the Museum of the City of São Paulo, which comprises thirteen historic buildings. It houses the administrative core of this institution, along with the Solar da Marquesa de Santos, Beco do Pinto, and the Museu Padre Anchieta. Today, the residence hosts the city's iconographic collection, Casa da Imagem, dedicated to the photographic memory of the capital.
  8. Vale Museum8

    Vale Museum

     Vila Velha
    The Vale Museum is situated in the city of Vila Velha, Espírito Santo. It is housed in the historic Pedro Nolasco Station of the Vitória - Minas railway. This location adds a unique historical charm to the museum, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in history and architecture.
  9. 9

    Ecomuseum of Itaipu

     Foz do Iguaçu
    The Ecomuseum of Itaipu is situated in the city of Foz do Iguaçu, in the state of Paraná. The museum is managed by Itaipu Binacional, a bi-national company responsible for the Itaipu Dam. The museum's headquarters are located within the administrative area of the Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant.
  10. Museum of Image and Sound Campinas10

    Museum of Image and Sound Campinas

     Campinas
    The Museum of Image and Sound (MIS) in Campinas is a public institution dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of the city's audiovisual heritage. It is centrally located at Rua Regente Feijó, 859, in the Palácio dos Azulejos, making it easily accessible for visitors.
  11. Museu de Porto Alegre Joaquim Felizardo11

    Museu de Porto Alegre Joaquim Felizardo

     Porto Alegre
    The Joaquim Felizardo Museum of Porto Alegre is a historical museum situated in the city of Porto Alegre, the capital of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The museum is housed in the Lopo Gonçalves Manor House, which is located at 582 João Alfredo Street. This location is steeped in history and provides a unique setting for the museum.
  12. Museu Casa Guignard12

    Museu Casa Guignard

     Ouro Preto
    The Museu Casa Guignard, located in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, has a rich history that dates back to 1960. However, it was officially inaugurated in 1986. This museum is a significant part of the cultural landscape of the region.
  13. Museu da Comunicação Hipólito José da Costa13

    Museu da Comunicação Hipólito José da Costa

     Porto Alegre
    The Museu da Comunicação Hipólito José da Costa is a significant cultural institution in Brazil, situated in the city of Porto Alegre, on Andradas Street. This location is easily accessible for tourists visiting the city, making it a convenient stop for those interested in the history and evolution of communication.
  14. 14

    Cultural Center Solar do Barão

     Curitiba
    A cultural complex housing several museums dedicated to photography, engraving, posters and comic books. Various workshops take place here.
  15. Museu de Arte Sacra da Arquidiocese de Curitiba15

    Museu de Arte Sacra da Arquidiocese de Curitiba

     Curitiba
    The Museu de Arte Sacra da Arquidiocese de Curitiba (MASAC) is an institution dedicated to preserving artifacts related to the history of the Catholic Church in Curitiba, the capital of Paraná. This museum is a part of the Archdiocese of Curitiba and plays a significant role in conserving the religious heritage of the region.
  16. Museum of Image and Sound16

    Museum of Image and Sound

     Rio de Janeiro
    If you'd like to explore the past of Brazil in a different way, come here and listen to the countless records or browse through the pictures.
  17. Museu do Trabalho17

    Museu do Trabalho

     Porto Alegre
    The Museu do Trabalho, a Brazilian museum, is situated at Andradas Street 230, in Porto Alegre. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 1:30 pm to 6 pm. This schedule allows visitors to plan their visit accordingly and make the most of their time exploring the exhibits.
  18. Museu de Arte de Brasília18

    Museu de Arte de Brasília

     Brasília
    The Museu de Arte de Brasília (MAB) is a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It is situated in Brasília, the Federal District of Brazil. The museum is a significant cultural institution in the city, showcasing a wide range of artworks from various periods and styles.
  19. Museu do Tietê19

    Museu do Tietê

     São Paulo
    The Tietê Museum narrates the story of one of São Paulo's most significant rivers, the Tietê River. This is done through a variety of mediums including documents, objects from the region's indigenous culture, and photographs. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the river's history and its impact on the city and its people.
  20. Casa da Memória Paraná20

    Casa da Memória Paraná

     Ponta Grossa
    The Casa da Memória Paraná is a museum situated in the city of Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil. It serves as a documentation center, preserving the history of the municipality, the Campos Gerais region, and the state of Paraná. This makes it a significant destination for those interested in the historical and cultural aspects of these regions.
  21. Arquivo Histórico Municipal João Spadari Adami21

    Arquivo Histórico Municipal João Spadari Adami

     Caxias do Sul
    The João Spadari Adami Municipal Historical Archive is a cultural institution located in Caxias do Sul, Brazil. It houses a vast collection of documents, photographs, films, recordings, newspapers, and other materials. The majority of these materials are related to the Italian colonization in the region and the history of Caxias do Sul. This makes the archive an important reference point in the state for those interested in these aspects of history.
  22. Bahia Museum of Art22

    Bahia Museum of Art

     Salvador
    The Bahia Museum of Art, situated in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest museums in the State of Bahia. This historical significance adds to the charm and appeal of the museum, making it a noteworthy destination for tourists interested in art and history.
  23. Mariano Procópio Museum23

    Mariano Procópio Museum

     Juiz de Fora
    The Mariano Procópio Museum, located in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, is a museum that showcases art, history, and natural sciences. It offers a diverse range of exhibits that cater to different interests, making it a versatile destination for tourists.
  24. Museu Pedagógico Casa Padre Palmeira24

    Museu Pedagógico Casa Padre Palmeira

     Vitória da Conquista
    The Museu Pedagógico Casa Padre Palmeira is recognized as a Cultural Heritage of the History and Memory of Education in the city of Vitória da Conquista, Bahia. This recognition highlights the museum's significant role in preserving and showcasing the educational history of the region.
  25. Museu Major Novaes25

    Museu Major Novaes

     Cruzeiro
    The Museu Major Novaes is a public cultural institution situated in Cruzeiro, a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It is maintained by both the state and municipal public authorities, ensuring its preservation and operation. This museum is a significant part of the cultural landscape of Cruzeiro, offering visitors a chance to delve into the rich history and heritage of the region.
  26. Castelinho do Alto da Bronze26

    Castelinho do Alto da Bronze

     Porto Alegre
    The Castelinho do Alto da Bronze is a unique architectural structure located in the historic center of Porto Alegre. It is situated at the intersection of Rua Fernando Machado and Rua General Vasco Alves. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city's historic center.
  27. 27

    Casa do Sertanista

     São Miguel Arcanjo
    The Sertanista House, also known as Caxingui House, is a significant historical site located in the neighborhood of Caxingui, São Paulo. This residence, built in the middle of the 17th century, is a prime example of Brazilian colonial architecture. It showcases several typical characteristics of the bandeirista house, including walls made of rammed earth, a four-fluted roof, and an earthen floor. The house's history and architectural style make it a fascinating destination for those interested in Brazil's colonial past.
  28. 28

    Museu Ruy Menezes

     Barretos
    The Ruy Menezes Historical, Artistic and Folkloric Museum is located in the city of Barretos, São Paulo. It plays a crucial role in preserving the city's memory by housing important documents and objects from the city's history. This museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich history and culture of Barretos.