Pernambuco State

Museums in Pernambuco

Museums & Culture

Pernambuco’s cultural landscape spans from the interactive Cais do Sertão, dedicated to the traditions of the arid interior and musician Luiz Gonzaga, to the world-renowned Ricardo Brennand Institute. Historical sites include the 17th-century Forte do Brum and the Casa da Cultura, a former prison now housing local craft stalls. Specialized institutions like Paço do Frevo celebrate UNESCO-recognized heritage, while the Museu do Homem do Nordeste explores the region's complex social history through extensive anthropological collections.

Museums & Culture — Map

A

Paço do Frevo

A cultural center and museum dedicated to the history and preservation of Frevo music and dance, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

David Moraes de Andrade / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Ricardo Brennand Institute

The Ricardo Brennand Institute is a cultural institution located in the city of Recife, Brazil.

C

Sao Joao Batista do Brum Fort

The Brum fortress has been an important part of the city defenses ever since 17th century. Nowadays it houses a military museum.

D

Museu Cais do Sertão

An interactive museum documenting the life and landscape of the Brazilian Sertão, with a significant focus on the legacy of musician Luiz Gonzaga.

Alberto.. / CC BY 2.0

E

Embassy of Giant Puppets

The amazing place is filled with huge dolls portraying a variety of famous personalities that seem very much alive! Well worth the visit.

Johannes Vingboons / Public domain

F

Forte de São Tiago das Cinco Pontas

Forte de São Tiago das Cinco Pontas is a fort located in Recife, Pernambuco in Brazil.

Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Casa da Cultura

Housed in a former 19th-century prison, this cultural center features local craft shops and art galleries located within the former jail cells.

Prefeitura de Olinda / CC BY 2.0

H

Museum of Contemporary Art

The museum houses a vast collection of local Pernambuco artists, such as Brannand, Bajado and João. Also often does exhibitions.

José Paulo Lacerda/CNI / CC BY 3.0 br

I

Museu de Arte Moderna Aloísio Magalhães

Known as MAMAM, this institution hosts a collection of modern and contemporary Brazilian art alongside temporary exhibitions and educational programs.

J

Museu da Cidade do Recife

Situated within the historic Forte das Cinco Pontas, this museum preserves documents, maps, and photographs detailing the urban and social evolution of Recife.

K

Museu do Homen do Nordeste

An anthropological museum exploring the cultural roots of Northeast Brazil through collections related to sugar production, folk art, and religious traditions.

João Maximiano Mafra / Public domain

L

Museu do Estado de Pernambuco

The Museu do Estado de Pernambuco is housed in a 19th-century mansion on the Av. Rui Barbosa in Recife, capital of Pernambuco state, Brazil.

M

Memorial J. Borges – Museo da Xilogravura

Located in Bezerros, this space is dedicated to the work of master woodcut artist J. Borges, showcasing traditional cordel literature and printing techniques.

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