The Museum of the Sergipe People is one of the most important cultural sites in Aracaju and stands as a landmark in the appreciation of Sergipe’s identity. Inaugurated in 2011, the museum gained national recognition for being the first interactive museum in Brazil’s North-Northeast. With a modern and accessible approach, it has become a must-see stop for tourists who wish to explore the soul of the Sergipe people.
History and Foundation
The Museum of the Sergipe People is located in the historic Atheneuzinho building, on the banks of the Sergipe River, in downtown Aracaju. The transformation of this former school building into a space for contemporary culture was conceived by the Banese Institute with the support of the state government. The revitalization project preserved the original architecture while modernizing the interior with cutting-edge technology. Since its inauguration, the museum has welcomed thousands of visitors annually, including students, tourists, and researchers.
The museum was created to promote cultural inclusion and give visibility to the various expressions of Sergipe’s popular culture. It aims to be a living space where tradition and technology come together to tell the story of a people in an emotional and engaging way. The initiative to transform Atheneuzinho into a cultural institution also contributed to revitalizing the historic center of the capital, increasing local tourism and investment.
Thematic Spaces and Exhibits
Each room in the museum offers an immersion into the popular culture, traditions, and lifestyles of the Sergipe people. The spaces are divided by themes that explore daily life, folklore, cuisine, religion, and local imagination.
“Our Folks”
This room showcases iconic figures of Sergipe’s culture—such as cowboys, fishermen, farmers, and artisans—through audiovisual testimonies and projections. These characters represent the strength and resilience of the people from Sergipe’s countryside. Visitors learn about their life stories through videos, audio clips, and daily objects.
“Our Festivals”
Visitors can explore major cultural festivities of the state, including forró, reisado, samba de coco, fire boat festival, and the traditional June parties. An interactive screen invites guests to dance to authentic Sergipe forró music, while explanatory videos detail the origins and significance of these events. The environment is vibrant and festive, creating a constant celebratory mood.
“Our Dishes”
Sergipe’s cuisine is celebrated with recipes, aromas, and stories from the regional kitchen. Dishes like crab, moqueca, sarapatel, fish pirão, and mungunzá are presented in sensory stations that spark hunger and curiosity. Visitors can watch videos featuring local cooks and chefs explaining how to prepare these delights. There are also samples of traditional spices and utensils.
“Our Words”
The local way of speaking is explored with humor and wit. Popular expressions come alive on digital screens with fun interpretations by local actors. This space allows visitors to understand how language expresses identity, folk wisdom, and creativity. Expressions like “oxe,” “misericórdia,” “viz,” and “mainha” are shown in everyday situations, highlighting the regional accent and slang.
“Our Sacred”
Religion is also represented in the museum. The “Our Sacred” room displays the peaceful coexistence of various beliefs in Sergipe, including Catholicism, Candomblé, Umbanda, Protestantism, Spiritism, and others. The exhibit features liturgical objects, images, songs, and personal accounts that show how faith is embedded in daily life.
Technology and Interactivity
What sets this museum apart is its use of immersive technology to present cultural content. Touchscreens, 3D projections, sensory stations, audio guides, and personal headphones allow for a customized experience. Visitors become part of the exhibition, interacting with the content in a playful and educational way. This innovative approach puts the museum on par with institutions like the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro and the Museum of the Alagoas People in Maceió.
The museum’s concept is to make visitors protagonists of their journey, allowing them to explore freely, ask questions, and discover sounds, scents, and memories. Additionally, the museum offers an official app providing extra information about each room and enabling advance planning of visits.
Cultural Events and Programs
The Museum of the Sergipe People goes beyond permanent exhibitions. It regularly hosts cultural events such as:
- Folia da Gente: Carnival celebration with parades, mask-making workshops, and live music.
- São João of the Sergipe People: traditional June party with square dancing, typical foods, and musical performances.
- Educational workshops: for schools, including folk tales, puppet theater, toy making, and cultural talks with local masters.
- Film screenings: featuring documentaries and films about the Northeast’s history and culture.
These events reinforce the museum’s role as an active center for cultural diffusion and civic engagement. Its calendar is frequently updated and shared on its official social media channels.
Infrastructure and Accessibility
The museum is fully accessible for people with disabilities, offering ramps, elevators, adapted restrooms, and subtitles in videos. Additional amenities include:
- Café serving regional snacks.
- Souvenir shop with local crafts, t-shirts, books, and publications.
- Space for temporary and traveling exhibitions.
- Auditorium for lectures, workshops, book launches, and intimate concerts.
- Nearby parking and secure surroundings.
Everything is designed to make visits pleasant, educational, and comfortable. Trained staff is always ready to assist.
Largo of the Sergipe People
Adjacent to the museum is the Largo of the Sergipe People, an open-air area featuring large floating sculptures representing Sergipe folklore characters like Lambe-Sujo, Caboclinhos, Parafusos, and Cacumbi. These illuminated figures create a unique visual spectacle on the banks of the Sergipe River. The Largo also includes benches, gardens, and a breathtaking sunset view.
It serves as a venue for cultural fairs, musical performances, and capoeira circles—an open-air celebration of Sergipe culture that complements the museum experience.
Visitor Tips
- Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission.
- Location: Av. Ivo do Prado, downtown Aracaju. Easy access via public transport or ride apps.
- Suggested itinerary: Visit the museum in the morning, lunch at Bairro Industrial Waterfront, then explore the historic center and municipal market.
- Recommendation: Set aside at least 2 hours to explore all spaces at a relaxed pace.
- Extra tip: Take pictures at sunset by the Largo for one of the city’s most scenic views.
Discover the Soul of the Sergipe People
The Museum of the Sergipe People is more than a collection—it’s a living portrait of a people’s identity. In every room, visitors uncover values, memories, and traditions that paint a full picture of Sergipe. By blending technology, interactivity, and tradition, the museum delivers an unforgettable, enriching experience. For those eager to truly understand Aracaju and its culture, this is a must-visit destination. To visit is to be touched by the diversity, history, and emotion of a welcoming and creative people.
