Salvador

The Museu da Misericórdia, housed in the historic 17th-century Santa Casa da Misericórdia building in Salvador, Brazil, stands as one of Bahia's most important cultural spaces dedicated to preserving nearly 500 years of medical and charitable history. Originally established as Brazil's first health institution in 1549, the Hospital da Caridade served as the foundation for modern healthcare in colonial Brazil, making this museum a cornerstone of medical heritage in Latin America. The museum's collection of 3,874 pieces includes historic pharmacy artifacts, medical instruments, sacred art, and furniture that chronicle the evolution of healthcare practices from colonial times through the modern era. Among its most significant exhibits is the Pharmacy Hall (Salão da Farmácia), which features a replica of Brazil's first Roda dos Expostos (foundling wheel) from 1734, alongside antique pharmacy cabinets filled with period vessels, mortars, and pharmaceutical implements. The baroque architecture of the building itself, with its ornate church featuring blue-and-white azulejos (hand-painted tiles) and stunning views of the Bay of All Saints, provides an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the visitor experience. Guided tours reveal fascinating stories about early medical practices, including treatment of leprosy and cholera patients, while the museum's collection of 19th-century patient records offers unique insights into historical medical documentation.