Afro Brasileiro Museum

Welcome to the Museu Afro Brasil, a vital institution for the understanding of the African diaspora and its profound influence on the formation of Brazilian society. Located within the Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo, this museum…

We begin in the section dedicated to the Atlantic slave trade, a period of violent upheaval that lasted from 1526 to the late 19th century. Scholars estimate that over ten million Africans were forcibly removed from their homes,…

We transition now into the spiritual heart of the museum—the hall dedicated to African-derived religions, particularly Candomblé. In the scholarly study of Brazil, one cannot separate the religious from the social. …

This section focuses on the themes of resistance and activism. A central figure here is Escrava Anastasia, a woman whose image—depicted with a metal mask—serves as a powerful symbol of the silencing of Black voices. …

We move into the galleries of fine art, where the museum showcases how Afro-Brazilian artists have used their craft to define the national identity. From the 17th century to the present, these works tell stories through 'eyes and…

In the final interior gallery, we explore the roles that Black Brazilians have taken in the modern state. Following the abolition of slavery and the modernization of the economy, Afro-Brazilians have risen to prominent positions…

Our final stop within the museum complex is the specialized library. With its thick walls of stone and concrete—which often block modern telecommunication signals—this space is a literal fortress of knowledge. …

As we step out of the Museu Afro Brasil and back into the lush greenery of Ibirapuera Park, let us carry the scholarly weight of what we have encountered. We have moved from the tragic silence of the slave ships to the vibrant,…