Palacete do Comendador Bernardo Martins Catharino, Manor house in Graça district, Salvador, Brazil
The Palacete do Comendador Bernardo Martins Catharino is a manor house in the Graça neighborhood that showcases eclectic architecture with European artistic influences from the early 1900s and decorative work by Oreste Sercelli. The property includes exhibition space for temporary art displays and surrounding gardens featuring four statues originally created by Auguste Rodin.
The manor was built in 1912 by architect Rossi Baptista during a period when wealthy families relocated from central Salvador to outlying neighborhoods. This shift toward the Graça area represented a broader movement that reshaped the social and spatial structure of the growing city.
The building serves as the Contemporary Art Museum of Bahia since 2023, functioning as a venue where visitors engage with current artistic expressions and works by Brazilian and international artists. This shift from displaying classical sculpture to showcasing modern art reflects how the space adapts to changing cultural interests in the city.
The location at Rua da Graça 284 is accessible on foot, with nearby public transport options making it convenient to reach. The gardens and exhibition spaces work best during daytime visits when natural light enhances viewing of both the artworks and outdoor features.
The architectural design shares similarities with the Hotel Biron in Paris, now known as the Rodin Museum in France. This connection shows how European artistic ideas shaped elite residences built in Brazil during the early 1900s.
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