Photograph of a visitor at the Expeditionary Museum

Museu Do Expedicionário

Museu do Expedicionário: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites in Curitiba

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Museu do Expedicionário in Curitiba, Brazil, stands as a premier institution dedicated to preserving and honoring the legacy of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (Força Expedicionária Brasileira, FEB), which played a vital role in World War II. Located in the Alto da XV neighborhood, this museum offers a profound insight into Brazil’s military history through extensive collections, immersive exhibitions, and commemorative outdoor displays. Established in 1946 and relocated to its current home in 1980, the museum serves both as a memorial to Paraná’s veterans and as an educational hub, fostering reflection on patriotism, international cooperation, and democratic values.

This comprehensive guide covers all essential aspects of visiting the Museu do Expedicionário—including hours of operation, free admission, accessibility features, guided tours, and special events—while also highlighting nearby cultural attractions. Whether you are a history enthusiast, student, or traveler, this article ensures your visit is both informative and inspiring. (Museu do Expedicionário Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance in Curitiba, Museu Do Expedicionário in Curitiba: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Historical Insights)

Historical Background and Mission
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Accessibility and Visitor Services
Collections and Exhibits
Special Events and Educational Programs
Practical Tips for Visitors
Neighborhood Context: Alto da XV
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contact Information
Conclusion and Visitor Recommendations
References and Further Reading

Praça do Expedicionário in Curitiba with trees and sculptures

Historical Background and Mission

Founded in 1946 by the Legião Paranaense do Expedicionário, the Museu do Expedicionário originated as a support center for returning veterans. By 1980, it had evolved into a cultural institution dedicated to preserving the history and memory of the Brazilian soldiers who participated in the Italian Campaign during World War II. Today, the museum’s mission is threefold:

Education: Provide authentic artifacts and historical materials to help visitors understand Brazil’s wartime role.
Commemoration: Honor the bravery and sacrifice of the FEB, particularly through memorials like the stone plaque remembering 28 Paraná veterans killed in action.
Promotion of Values: Inspire patriotism, resilience, and reflection on peace and citizenship through curated exhibitions and public events.

The museum actively engages the public through educational programs, temporary exhibits, and collaborations with schools and universities. (maeefilhaviajantes.com)

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays and public holidays
Admission: Free for all visitors; no advance booking required for individuals. Guided tours for groups of 15+ should be scheduled in advance by calling +55 41 3362-8231.

The museum’s free admission policy reflects its commitment to accessibility and public education. Guided tours are available in Portuguese and provide deeper context to the exhibits. (Chaves na Mão)

Accessibility and Visitor Services

The Museu do Expedicionário is committed to accessibility, featuring:

Ramps and accessible restrooms for visitors with reduced mobility
Wide, well-lit corridors for easy navigation
Exhibit information in Portuguese and select English translations
Staff on hand to assist visitors with special needs

Facilities include restrooms, a small gift shop with WWII-themed memorabilia, and a reading area with military history resources. While there is no on-site café, numerous dining options are available nearby in Alto da XV. (Brilliant Brazil)

Collections and Exhibits

Permanent Exhibitions

The museum’s thoughtfully curated permanent collection offers:

Uniforms and Personal Effects: Authentic gear and items from Brazilian, American, British, and German forces, illustrating individual and collective stories.
Weapons and Equipment: Small arms, artillery, and technical displays, with detailed context about their use during the Italian Campaign.
Photographic and Documentary Archives: Wartime photographs, letters, military orders, maps, and personal accounts—many translated into English.
International Displays: Comparative exhibits with uniforms and equipment from other Allied and Axis nations, contextualizing Brazil’s role within the global conflict.

Outdoor Military Displays

At the Praça do Expedicionário, visitors encounter:

M3 Stuart Tank: Used by the FEB in Italy, preserved with interpretive panels.
P-47D Thunderbolt Fighter: Aircraft flown by Brazilian pilots, a highlight for military history enthusiasts.
Other Artifacts: Torpedo, German Gebirgsgeschütz 36 mountain cannon, and naval memorabilia.

Temporary Exhibitions and Programs

Regularly rotating exhibitions focus on specific battles, aspects of military life, or feature veteran testimonies. The museum also offers educational workshops and commemorative programs aligned with national WWII anniversaries.

Special Events and Educational Programs

Throughout the year, the museum hosts:

Lectures and Special Presentations: On Brazil’s military history and the FEB’s legacy.
Commemorative Ceremonies: Especially during Victory Day (May 8) and FEB departure anniversaries.
School and University Partnerships: Including curriculum development and interactive workshops for students.

The museum’s auditorium and library further support its educational initiatives, with multimedia presentations and oral histories enriching the visitor experience.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings are quieter; weekends and holidays may be busier.
Duration: Allocate 1–2 hours to fully explore the museum and outdoor exhibits.
Language: Most exhibits are in Portuguese. For non-Portuguese speakers, consider using a translation app or joining a guided tour.
Photography: Non-flash photography is generally permitted, especially outdoors.
Plan Around Events: Check the museum’s website or official channels for temporary exhibitions and special programs.

Neighborhood Context: Alto da XV

Alto da XV is a vibrant, centrally located Curitiba neighborhood known for its mix of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. Key features include:

Proximity to Other Museums: Such as Museu Paranaense, Museu de Arte Contemporânea do Paraná, and Museu Egípcio e Rosacruz.
Dining and Shopping: Numerous cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and shops within walking distance.
Safety: The area is generally safe during museum hours; standard urban precautions apply, especially after dark.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The outdoor exhibits and spacious square make it ideal for visits with children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Museu do Expedicionário’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:30 PM–5:00 PM; closed on Mondays and public holidays.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, entry is free for all visitors.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, group tours can be scheduled in advance; individual guided tours are also available on select days.

Q: Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps, accessible restrooms, and staff support.

Q: Can I take photographs inside the museum?
A: Non-flash photography is generally permitted, especially outdoors.

Q: Are there dining options nearby?
A: Yes, Alto da XV offers a variety of cafés and restaurants within walking distance.

Contact Information

Address: Rua Comendador Macedo, 655 – Alto da XV, Curitiba, PR, 82590-300, Brazil
Phone: +55 41 3362-8231
Official Website: Museu do Expedicionário – Biblioteca Pública do Paraná

Conclusion and Visitor Recommendations

The Museu do Expedicionário stands as an essential cultural and historical landmark in Curitiba, offering a multi-layered exploration of Brazil’s role in World War II through the stories of the FEB. With its free admission, accessible facilities, and thoughtfully curated exhibitions, the museum appeals to historians, families, students, and casual visitors alike.

To make the most of your visit:

Plan for 1–2 hours to explore all exhibits.
Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience.
Check for special events and temporary exhibitions.
Use translation tools or guided tours for enhanced understanding if you do not speak Portuguese.
Take advantage of the museum’s location to explore other nearby cultural attractions in Alto da XV.

For the latest updates, guided tour bookings, and enhanced audio-visual experiences, consult the museum’s official website, follow their social media channels, or download the Audiala app. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with this vital chapter of Brazil’s heritage and share your experience with others.

References and Further Reading

Museu do Expedicionário Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance in Curitiba (maeefilhaviajantes.com)
Museu Do Expedicionário in Curitiba: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Historical Insights (bpp.pr.gov.br)
Museu do Expedicionário Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Exhibitions in Curitiba (Chaves na Mão)
Museu do Expedicionário in Curitiba: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Nearby Attractions (bpp.pr.gov.br)