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Museums #29 in Rio de Janeiro

Espaço Cultural da Marinha

4.8 · 8,265 reviews
Industrial and educational maritime history.
Espaço Cultural da Marinha - Av. Alfred Agache, S/N - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20021-000, Brazil
Interesting facts
1

The Bauru (G-28) is one of the few remaining Cannon-class destroyer escorts in the world that served during WWII.

2

The Galeota D. João VI was built in 1808 and was used by the Portuguese Royal Family for transportation upon their arrival in Brazil.

3

The Riachuelo (S-22) was the first submarine built in Brazil after the local construction program was initiated.

4

The museum site is situated on a pier that provides a unique vantage point of the Rio-Niterói Bridge and the Fiscal Island.

5

The collection includes the Laurindo Pitta, a 1910 steam tugboat that actively participated in World War I.

Overview

Espaço Cultural da Marinha is a maritime museum located at the edge of Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro's historic harbor district. The facility preserves naval history through a collection of decommissioned vessels and indoor exhibitions detailing the Brazilian Navy's development. Visitors can board the Bauru (G-28), a destroyer escort that served in World War II, and the Riachuelo (S-22), an Oberon-class submarine. The site also features a historic steam-powered tugboat and the Galeota D. João VI, a royal rowing barge. Educational exhibits cover navigation technology, historical maps, and naval warfare. Outdoor displays include anchors, cannons, and historical naval artifacts positioned along the waterfront. Guided tours of the vessels are offered as part of the standard site admission. The space serves as both a museum and a venue for maritime-themed cultural programming.

Photo spot

The deck of the Bauru destroyer looking toward the skyline of downtown Rio de Janeiro.

Insider tips

Check vessel availability in advance, as some ships may occasionally close for maintenance or preservation work.

Bring sun protection, as the majority of the museum exhibits and vessel tours take place in uncovered outdoor areas.

Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear, as navigating the narrow hatches and steep ladders of the submarine and destroyer requires agility.

What to avoid

Attempting to visit during the hottest hours of the afternoon without adequate hydration; wearing flip-flops or heels which are unsuitable for boarding historical vessels.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Etiquette

Closed-toe shoes with good grip are required to board the submarine and warships; modest attire is expected.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, to avoid weekend crowds and the peak midday heat in the exposed harbor area.
Address
Espaço Cultural da Marinha - Av. Alfred Agache, S/N - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20021-000, Brazil
-22.900, -43.175
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsDestroyer Bauru (G-28), Submarine Riachuelo (S-22), and the 1808 Galeota D. João VI

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, to avoid weekend crowds and the peak midday heat in the exposed harbor area..

The deck of the Bauru destroyer looking toward the skyline of downtown Rio de Janeiro.

Close by you'll find Museu do Amanhã, Escadaria Selarón, AquaRio.