Museu de Arte da Bahia

The Museu de Arte da Bahia (MAB), initially called the Museu do Estado (State Museum), was the first public museum in Bahia, created on July 23, 1918. Its collection is essentially made up of two collections organized in Bahia from the 19th century onwards: that of Jonathas Abbot and that of Goés Calmon. The former includes works by European painters from the 17th-18th centuries and Bahian painters from the 1800s. It was later enriched with paintings by 20th century Bahian masters. The collection of former governor Góes Calmon, acquired by the State of Bahia in 1943, includes pieces of furniture from the 17th-19th centuries, oriental porcelain, crystals, typical Bahian jewelry and religious sculptures.

The MAB also houses a documentary collection made up of photographs, postcards, letters, invitations and maps of great historical value. Its collection has developed over the years with new acquisitions and donations, currently totaling around 15,000 pieces.

The museum stands out as an active cultural facility. As well as having a vast collection, it offers a wide range of activities, such as temporary exhibitions, conferences, music recitals, plays and book clubs, seeking to reach a diverse public and, consequently, to make the space more democratic.