The Best Brazilian Art Museums for the Refined Culture Hound

These works from the Museu de Arte Sacra rank among the best Brazilian art museums

Brazilian art is rarely pre-Columbian in nature and mostly a reflection of Western art. Portugal colonized Brazil in the mid-16th century, a time when most of the country was still primitive and had no specific art form.

By the late 16th century, local artistry was born thanks to Western influences and it continues to evolve until this day. The best Brazilian art museums are great places to witness local art and how it has evolved.

Museu de Arte Sacra, Mariana

The museum has some of the best collections of sacred Brazilian art. It can be found in Mariana, a small town located right outside of Ouro Preto. Museu de Arte Sacra also has an impressive collection of gold and silver artwork which complement the colonial mansion where they’re displayed.

Museu de Oratoria

It is located behind the main square of Ouro Preto. Just as its name suggests, the museum boasts a collection of oratories or small altars kept by home owners so they can pray without having to visit a church.

Oratories of different colors and designs are displayed on the museum. Among them are those of Afro-Brazilian origin which, due to the influence of Candomblé religion, are decorated with shells and flowers.

Ouro Preto is one of Brazil’s best preserved colonial towns. Although you can’t fly directly there, Belo Horizonte is about 100 km away and plenty of airlines like the biggest in the country, TAM, fly there.

Monument to Latin America

The landmark is not your typical Brazilian art but represents it nonetheless. It was designed by Oscar Niemeyer, a famous Brazilian architect. The monument is a good example of modernist Brazilian art. You can find it in São Paulo.

Pinacoteca de Estado

Situated in São Paulo, the city has a massive collection of Brazilian art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Among them are the creations of Alfredo Ceschiatti who is known for his Brasilia sculptures.

Museu de Arte Sacra, Salvador

Not to be confused with Museu de Arte Sacra of Mariana, the museum has one of the country’s best collections of Catholic art. Included in these collections are oratorios, oil paintings, and silver work. The Catholic Brazilian art works are displayed at the monastery connected to Igreja de Santa Teresa, a building with architecture worth admiring.

Best Time To Visit Itacare

If you want to experience conditions like what you see in this picture, then April to November is the best time to visit Itacare, Brazil

Knowing the best time to visit Itacare can help you make the most of your vacation in this known vacation located in Northeast Brazil.  This famous tourist haunt in Bahia is popular for its amazing beaches, capoeira and a whole lot of culture.

But certain weather conditions and high hotel accommodation prices can put off the savviest traveller.  So it’s best to be prepared early on.  Knowing the best time to visit Itacare can spare you from the hassles associated with travelling to a city or country without prior research.

Here are some pieces of information which could come in handy, should you plan to spend your holidays here.

Weather.  Itacare, just like the rest of Bahia, enjoys a tropical climate with an annual average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius.  But things get even warmer from February to March with an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius.  But things get cooler starting July with a temperature averaging 22 degrees Celsius.

Rainy season is from December to March.

Surf Season.  If you’re here to learn how to surf, or to indulge in the sport, the best time to visit Itacare would be Anytime between May to September.  But on some beaches in Itacare such as Corais and Tiririca offer great waves anytime of the year.

How long can I stay?  Locals would definitely recommend spending a week in Itacare, especially during Carnaval season as there are so many activities you can enjoy with your loved ones, family and friends when you’re there.  There’s just so many things you need to experience in Itacare, such as witnessing Capoeira practices, or maybe having a crash-course on the said martial arts.  In addition, you can enjoy surfing, tasting local delicacies and enjoying the sun, sea and surf.  So there’s no reason not to stay longer in Itacare.