The Museu Etnográfico da Praia is an ethnographic museum situated in the heart of the Cape Verdean capital, Praia, on the island of Santiago. Specifically, it is located at 45 Rua 5 de Julho, in the historic area of the city known as the Plateau.

Established in November 1997, the museum is housed in a 19th-century building and forms part of the city's African Modern Art collection. The museum is dedicated to showcasing a selection of objects that represent the traditional customs and usages of the Cape Verdean people. Though it is small in size, the museum offers a rich and intimate look into Cape Verdean culture, housing artifacts like pottery, textiles, and baskets. The collection also features a few treasures salvaged from the many shipwrecks in the area.

Occasionally, the museum will host a temporary exhibit focusing on a particular theme. These exhibits are typically placed at the entrance of the building, enticing visitors as they walk in. The permanent exhibition, on the other hand, is located on the ground floor.

The collection includes items from four of the Cape Verde islands: Santiago, Santo Antão, Boavista, and Brava. Many of these artifacts have been collected or donated over the years, and they encompass a wide range of objects, from pottery, cloths, and baskets, to tools for milling wheat and processing cheese and butter. There are also gourds and items related to Kankan tobacco consumption, agriculture, and cattle breeding.

The Museu Etnográfico da Praia provides visitors with a unique opportunity to take a journey back in time, offering a window into the traditional and rural life of the Cape Verde archipelago. It serves as a testament to the rich history and culture of Cape Verde and its people.

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