Fundação Cultural Palmares, Federal cultural foundation in Brasília, Brazil.
The Fundação Cultural Palmares is a federal foundation in Brasília, linked to the Ministry of Culture, dedicated to documenting and supporting the cultural traditions of Afro-Brazilian communities. Its headquarters houses a specialized library, archive rooms, and exhibition spaces open to the public.
The foundation was created in 1988 by federal law, the same year Brazil marked the 100th anniversary of the abolition of slavery. Its creation came during the country's return to democracy, reflecting a broader effort to bring Afro-Brazilian contributions into the national conversation.
The foundation takes its name from Palmares, the most famous Quilombo in Brazil, a free community built by escaped enslaved people in the 17th century. Inside the exhibition spaces, visitors can see artworks, documents, and objects that center Afro-Brazilian music, literature, and dance.
The headquarters in Brasília is open to visitors, researchers, and school groups interested in Afro-Brazilian history and culture. It is a good idea to check ahead before visiting, as opening hours and available activities can vary.
The foundation holds the official authority to certify Quilombo communities across Brazil, a step that allows these settlements to claim their ancestral land. Without this certification, communities descended from escaped enslaved people cannot begin the process of securing legal land rights.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
