104th Fighter Squadron P-47 Thunderbolts aircrafts in formation 1947

Republic P 47 Thunderbolt

Republic P-47 Thunderbolt Monument: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide – Curitiba, Brazil

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt Monument in Curitiba, Brazil, stands as a powerful testament to the nation’s contribution to World War II and the valor of its airmen. Known locally as the “trator voador” (flying tractor) and internationally as the “Jug,” the P-47 Thunderbolt was a robust and heavily armed fighter aircraft that played a crucial role in the Italian Campaign. This monument, prominently located at Praça do Expedicionário adjacent to the Museu do Expedicionário, commemorates the technical and military achievements of the P-47 and honors the bravery of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force’s pilots (Tripomatic; Jambock).

Visitors can explore a meticulously restored P-47 aircraft, educational displays, and commemorative plaques. The site is free, accessible year-round, and welcomes history enthusiasts, aviation fans, and travelers interested in Brazil’s military heritage. This guide details visiting hours, directions, nearby attractions, special events, and practical tips for your visit (Museu do Expedicionário; Smithsonian Magazine).

Introduction
Historical Background of the P-47 Thunderbolt
Location and Monument Description
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Directions and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions
Special Events and Guided Tours
Conservation and Restoration
Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Additional Resources
References

128th Fighter Squadron Republic P-47N-25-RE Thunderbolt aircraft at Marietta GA in May 1946

134th Fighter Squadron 50th Anniversary Patch with eagle and fighter jet

P-47 Thunderbolts of the 1st Air Commando Group taking off

P-47 Thunderbolts from the 318th Fighter Group taking off from East Field Saipan October 1944

P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft of the 325th Fighter Group in flight during 1943

345th Fighter Squadron P-47 Thunderbolts aircraft lined up on airfield

P-47D Thunderbolt aircraft of the 353d Fighter Group/351st Fighter Squadron on a train strafing mission during World War II

Republic P-47D-2-RA Thunderbolt fighter aircraft 'Gigs-Up' of the 486th Fighter Squadron, 352d Fighter Group at RAF Bodney England

P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft of the 353d Fighter Group

World War II P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft of the 355th Fighter Group

Sergeant Elwin D. Phillips, Lieutenant Sidney Hewitt, Staff Sergeant Michael Yahawk, and a 361st Fighter Squadron colleague standing beside Sidney Hewitt's P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft 'Clarkie' at RAF Goxhill

Republic P-47D-28-RE Thunderbolt fighter aircraft Serial 44-20244 of the 367th Fighter Squadron, 358th Fighter Group at RAF High Halden, England

P-47 Thunderbolt aircrafts nicknamed Little One and War Weary along with RAF AT-6 Texans at East Wretham, 359th Fighter Group base

P-47D Thunderbolt fighter planes of the 359th Fighter Group at East Wretham Airfield in England

P-47D-11-RE Thunderbolt aircraft serial 42-75452 of the 374th Fighter Squadron, 361st Fighter Group, at Bottisham Airfield England

362d Fighter Group P-47 Thunderbolts WWII 1945 lineup on airfield

Colonel J.L. Laughlin smoking a cigar with his dog mascot Prince inside P-47D Fighter aircraft cockpit

Two-seat P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft nicknamed Astra of the 365th Fighter Group

365th Fighter Squadron Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt aircraft on Mannheim/Sandhofen Airfield in Germany, May 1945

Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt aircraft at RAF Beaulieu

U.S. Army Air Forces crew charging wing machine guns on Republic P-47 at advanced landing ground A-1 Saint-Pierre-du-Mont France June 1944

U.S. Army Air Forces Republic P-47D Thunderbolt taking off from Saint-Pierre-du-Mont airfield with dust trail

P-47 Thunderbolts of 368th Fighter Group lined up at Cardonville Airfield France Summer 1944

Republic P-47D Thunderbolt fighter aircraft of the 22d Fighter Squadron at RAF Kingsnorth in 1944

P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft 42-28947 'Maj Mac' of the 36th Fighter Group

P-47 Thunderbolt fighter plane of the 373rd Fighter Group taking off

404th Fighter Group P-47D Old Hickory aircraft at Chippelle Airfield A-5 France

404th Fighter Group P-47D Sweet Eloise fighter plane at Chippelle Airfield, France

P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt fighter aircraft of 404th Fighter Squadron at Tantonville Airfield France January 1945

Republic P-47D-20-RE Thunderbolt fighter aircraft of the 405th Fighter Group at RAF Christchurch in 1944

Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt fighter aircraft 42-227312 of the 405th Fighter Wing at RAF Christchurch 1944

P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft serial 42-75248 of the 36th Fighter Group preparing for takeoff in Brucheville, France, August 1944

P47 43-2773 Bird Ass Bird II fighter plane of the 406th Fighter Group flown by Howard Park

406th Fighter Group P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft lined up at AAF Station Nordholz Germany June 1945

506th Fighter Squadron P-47 Thunderbolts aircraft lined up at Kelz or Fritzlar Airfield Germany 1945

50th Fighter Group P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft landing at Toul/Ochey Airfield in France December 1944

Republic P-47D Thunderbolt fighter planes of the 50th Fighter Group with cows at Carentan Airfield France Summer 1944

Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Fighter Aircraft of 512th Fighter Squadron at RAF Ashford with C-47 Skytrain in background

514th Fighter Squadron P-47 Thunderbolt Skirty Bert III at Münster-Handorf Airfield Germany 1945

1948 F-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft of the 526th Fighter Squadron on airfield

P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft of the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group at RAF Halesworth during World War II

Republic P-47C-2-RE Thunderbolts of the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group in flight

P-47D Thunderbolt fighter aircraft of the 57th Fighter Group in Italy during 1944

Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt aircraft parked on runway at Boxted

62d Fighter Squadron P-47 Thunderbolts in flight during 1943 escort mission

P-47C-2-RE Thunderbolt fighter planes of the 82d Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group lined up on runway

USS Manila Bay CVE-61 under attack by four Japanese Zeke aircraft near Saipan, June 23, 1944

Historical Background of the P-47 Thunderbolt

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, designed by Alexander Kartveli for Republic Aviation, is among World War II’s most iconic fighter aircraft. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine, the P-47 was lauded for its durability, firepower, and adaptability. Its rugged design enabled it to survive heavy damage, and its eight .50-caliber machine guns made it formidable in both air-to-air and ground-attack roles (Smithsonian Magazine; pt.wikipedia).

Brazil’s Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB) operated P-47s during the Italian Campaign, supporting Allied ground operations and gaining a distinguished place in military history (historiadafab). The monument in Curitiba commemorates this vital chapter and the legacy of the Brazilian pilots who flew these aircraft.

Location and Monument Description

Address: Praça do Expedicionário, Rua Saldanha da Gama, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil (postal code: 80060-170)
Setting: The monument is centrally located and easily accessible from Curitiba’s downtown and key attractions (Tripomatic).
Display: A full-scale P-47 Thunderbolt, restored and mounted in a dynamic flight pose, stands as the centerpiece. Surrounding it are landscaped grounds, commemorative plaques, and interpretive signage in Portuguese and English.
Authenticity: The displayed aircraft is a P-47D-40-RA, serial number 45-49485 (FAB 4171), a genuine example of the type flown by Brazilian pilots (Jambock).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Monument: Accessible daily, outdoors, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (aligned with public park hours).
Museu do Expedicionário: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Admission: Free for both the monument and the museum.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with ramps and paved paths.

Tip: Always check the museum’s official website or contact them directly for updates on holiday hours or special events.

Directions and Accessibility

By Car: Central location with available public parking nearby.
Public Transport: Multiple bus routes serve the area; Curitiba’s efficient system makes access easy (The World Keys).
From the Airport: Aeroporto Internacional Afonso Pena is about 18 km away; taxis, rideshares, and buses available (Lonely Planet).
On Foot: The pedestrian-friendly downtown allows visitors to walk from other city landmarks.

Nearby Attractions

Museu do Expedicionário: Exhibits on Brazil’s WWII role, military artifacts, and historical documents.
Bosque do Papa: Park honoring Polish immigrants with trails and picnic areas.
Oscar Niemeyer Museum: Contemporary art museum in a striking modernist building.
Rua XV de Novembro: Lively pedestrian street with shops and cafes (I Heart Brazil).
Curitiba Botanical Garden: Iconic glasshouse and extensive plant collections.

Special Events and Guided Tours

Victory Day (May 8) and Air Force Day (October 23): Commemorative ceremonies, wreath-laying, and sometimes military parades.
Guided Tours: Available through the Museu do Expedicionário by advance booking, offering deeper insights into the P-47’s history and Brazilian pilots’ stories.

Conservation and Restoration

The monument’s preservation is a collaborative effort involving the museum, the Brazilian Air Force, and private organizations. Restoration projects—such as those by the REVOAR team—focus on maintaining the aircraft’s authentic appearance and structural integrity, addressing challenges like weathering and sourcing original parts (vintageaviationnews).

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons for optimal lighting and fewer crowds.
Weather: Curitiba’s climate is mild but changeable; bring a light jacket or umbrella, especially October–March.
Photography: The monument’s dramatic pose is ideal for photos—respect the site, especially during ceremonies.
Combine Visits: Pair the monument with nearby museums for a fuller historical experience.
Language: Portuguese is primary, but many signs include English; translation apps can assist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours of the monument and museum?
A: The monument is accessible daily, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No, entry is free for both the monument and museum.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours can be arranged through the museum, especially during special events.

Q: Is the monument wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with paved paths and ramps for ease of access.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, photography is encouraged.

Additional Resources

Conclusion

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt Monument in Curitiba is a compelling destination for military history enthusiasts, aviation fans, and travelers alike. Its central location, accessibility, and rich narrative make it a key site for honoring Brazil’s pivotal role in World War II. Combine your visit with other cultural attractions for a comprehensive Curitiba experience, and consider joining commemorative events or guided tours for deeper appreciation. Download the Audiala app for interactive guides, and follow the Museu do Expedicionário for news and updates on this living tribute to Brazilian heritage.