Casa do Benin, Art and history museum in Pelourinho, Salvador, Brazil
Casa do Benin is a museum housed in three restored 19th-century buildings with a three-story atrium and courtyard that blends African design elements throughout. The galleries display artworks and historical objects that document connections between Brazil and West Africa.
The center opened in 1988 to strengthen ties between Brazil and Benin while preserving the history of enslaved people from the Gulf of Guinea region who came to Bahia. Its creation responded to the deep historical connection between these two places.
The spaces show how Salvador and Benin share traditions that are visible in everyday objects and artwork on display. Visitors can see how these cultural connections remain alive in the city today.
The museum is easily walkable in Salvador's historic center and sits in an area with shops and restaurants nearby. Wear comfortable shoes since the cobblestone streets are steep and the old buildings have narrow stairs and compact spaces.
One area of the museum is designed as a traditional Beninese rural kitchen and dining space showing how food was prepared in that West African setting. Another structure displays authentic African construction methods using natural materials and thatched roofing techniques.
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