São Luís's grand neoclassical theater was constructed in 1817 by two homesick Portuguese merchants who missed the dramatic spectacles of Lisbon. It's the second-oldest standing theater in the country. Head inside for a guided tour to check out the impressive interior.
Teatro Arthur Acevedo
São Luís
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.35 MILES
Set in the former customs house built right on the river mouth, this informative and colorful museum is dedicated to Maranhense culture and features a…
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0.29 MILES
At the eclectic and fascinating Casa do Nhôzinho, you can see a collection of ingenious fish traps, rooms featuring Maranhão indigenous artisanry, and…
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11.46 MILES
The heart of the colonial settlement, this spacious hilltop plaza contains the best-preserved pelourinho (whipping post) in Brazil and the evocative shell…
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0.22 MILES
A small, bright museum covering the history of reggae music in Maranhão. In addition to displays dedicated to the local artists and promoters who bought…
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11.5 MILES
Set over two floors, this interesting museum is set in an old colonial house that was first inhabited by nobility and later by traders. It includes many…
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0.31 MILES
The Palácio dos Leões is the state governor’s palace, built in the 18th century on the site of the original French fort. It still houses state government…
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Centro de Cultura Popular Domingos Vieira Filho
0.2 MILES
An impressive 19th-century mansion housing four fascinating floors of exhibits on São Luís’ festivals – Carnaval, Bumba Meu Boi and Divino Espírito Santo …
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0.23 MILES
This 19th-century market building now trades in an interesting variety of typical Maranhão crafts and foods, from dried prawns and Brazil nuts to an…
Nearby São Luís attractions
1. Museu Histórico e Artístico do Estado de Maranhão
0.12 MILES
In a restored 1836 mansion, the Museu Histórico e Artístico is set out as it might have been in days of yore, displaying all the furnishings, valuables…
2. Centro de Pesquisa de História Natural e Arqueologia do Maranhão
0.16 MILES
Contains interesting exhibits of artifacts – from ancient ax heads to contemporary feather adornments – from Maranhão's indigenous cultures past and…
0.16 MILES
São Luís' 17th-century cathedral looks along Av Dom Pedro II from its top end. Inside are ceiling frescoes decorated with babaçu (palm) motifs and a fine…
4. Centro de Cultura Popular Domingos Vieira Filho
0.2 MILES
An impressive 19th-century mansion housing four fascinating floors of exhibits on São Luís’ festivals – Carnaval, Bumba Meu Boi and Divino Espírito Santo …
0.22 MILES
A small, bright museum covering the history of reggae music in Maranhão. In addition to displays dedicated to the local artists and promoters who bought…
0.23 MILES
This 19th-century market building now trades in an interesting variety of typical Maranhão crafts and foods, from dried prawns and Brazil nuts to an…
0.23 MILES
There’s a fine collection of old azulejos (decorative ceramic tiles), engravings, sculptures and paintings at the Visual Arts Museum, which has been…
8. Centro Cultural Vale Maranhão
0.26 MILES
This hip new cultural center in a stylishly renovated colonial mansion in the heart of the historical center features rotating exhibitions of high-quality…