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The Museu Ceará is a historical museum located in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. It is housed within the former Alagadiço Prison.

Visual Characteristics

The building is a neoclassical structure constructed primarily of stone and brick. It features a symmetrical facade with a central portico and arched windows. The exterior walls are painted a pale yellow, with white trim around the windows and cornices. The building has two stories and a central courtyard.

Location & Access Logistics

The Museu Ceará is situated at Rua São Paulo, 51, in the Centro district of Fortaleza. It is approximately 2 kilometers west of the city center. Access is via Avenida Tristão Gonçalves or Avenida Duque de Caxias. Limited street parking is available in the vicinity. Bus lines 074 (Antônio Bezerra/Unifor) and 026 (Antônio Bezerra/Messejana) stop within a 500-meter radius.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was originally constructed as the Alagadiço Prison, with construction beginning in 1865 and concluding in 1885. It served as a correctional facility until 1970. In 1991, it was repurposed and opened as the Museu Ceará, dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history and culture of the state of Ceará.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history of Ceará, including its indigenous peoples, colonial period, and economic development. Specific displays focus on the Cangaço phenomenon and the region's cultural heritage. The museum offers guided tours of its permanent collections.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shaded areas are present within the museum's courtyard. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available within the building. No food vendors are located within the museum; however, several commercial establishments are present on nearby streets.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is during the morning hours (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) when natural light illuminates the facade. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays. Fortaleza experiences high temperatures year-round; indoor climate control is present.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical fact is that the Alagadiço Prison housed Lampião, a famous Cangaço leader, for a brief period before his death. A local legend suggests that the spirits of former inmates can sometimes be felt within the older sections of the building.

Nearby Landmarks

• Praça do Ferreira (0.8km East)
• Theatro José de Alencar (1.2km Southeast)
• Mercado Central (1.5km East)
• Catedral Metropolitana de Fortaleza (1.8km East)