Universidade Do Estado De Santa Catarina

Visiting Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Florianópolis, Brazil: Complete Guide to Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: UDESC’s Significance and What Visitors Can Expect

The Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), located in Florianópolis, is a leading state university renowned for academic excellence, innovative research, and a dynamic cultural scene. Since its establishment in the 1960s, UDESC has become a beacon of higher education in Brazil, offering visitors the chance to explore both historical sites and modern campuses. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or traveler interested in Brazil’s educational and cultural heritage, UDESC provides a unique and enriching experience. Expect to discover architecturally significant buildings, vibrant arts and cultural events, free or low-cost exhibitions, and a welcoming environment for all.

UDESC’s campuses are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with many public events and exhibitions accessible for free or at nominal fees. The university prioritizes accessibility, offering multilingual audio guides and facilities adapted for people with disabilities. Guided tours can be arranged by appointment, providing in-depth insights into UDESC’s key academic centers and historical landmarks.

To enhance your visit, plan through official resources such as the UDESC website and the Museu da Escola Catarinense visitor information. Combine your campus exploration with trips to Florianópolis’ historic center and local attractions for a memorable, well-rounded experience. (UDESC overview) (UDESC International)

Students at Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (Udesc) attending an event

Buildings of Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (Udesc) campus

State University of Santa Catarina Udesc building exterior

Interior of the University of the State of Santa Catarina building

Portrait of a man with a neutral expression

Construction site at Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina

Contents Overview

Welcome to UDESC: A Cultural and Educational Landmark in Florianópolis
Visiting UDESC: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Historical and Architectural Highlights
Guided Tours and Visitor Tips
Nearby Attractions in Florianópolis
Academic Reputation and Community Role
Exploring UDESC: Academic Excellence and Visitor Information
Rankings, Research, and Societal Impact
Campus Visits, Admissions, and Accessibility
Student Life
UDESC Campus Visitor Guide: Hours, Tickets, and Local Highlights
FAQs for Visitors
Travel and Transportation Tips
Conclusion and Recommendations
Sources

Welcome to UDESC: A Cultural and Educational Landmark

UDESC is more than an academic institution; it is a place where history, culture, and innovation intersect. The main campus in the Itacorubi district boasts modern facilities, while the historic Faculdade de Educação and the Museu da Escola Catarinense (MESC) in downtown Florianópolis showcase the evolution of education in Santa Catarina. Visitors can admire the neoclassical FAED building, explore engaging museum exhibits, and experience the artistic energy of the CEART arts center.

Visiting UDESC: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Campus Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
MESC Museum Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Admission: Free for general campus access and most exhibitions. Some special events may require tickets.
Accessibility: Campuses and the museum offer ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and multilingual audio guides (Portuguese, English, Spanish, Libras).
Guided Tours: Available by appointment via the official websites.

For booking and specific information, visit the UDESC website or MESC visitor portal.

Historical and Architectural Highlights

Founded in 1963, UDESC’s earliest roots lie in the Faculdade de Educação, housed in a heritage-listed building from the late 19th century in downtown Florianópolis. The Museu da Escola Catarinense, located within this historic structure, features exhibitions on the educational and cultural history of the region.

The Itacorubi campus, inaugurated in 2007, presents a sharp contrast with its contemporary architecture, green spaces, and innovative learning environments. This blend of old and new makes UDESC an architectural and cultural highlight for visitors.

Guided Tours and Visitor Tips

Booking Tours: Arrange in advance through UDESC’s visitor services or the MESC website.
Photography: The Rua Saldanha Marinho visual axis and campus gardens are ideal spots for photos.
Getting There: The Itacorubi campus is accessible by public transportation from downtown. Parking is available but limited; biking is encouraged.
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes for walking, especially when exploring the historic city center.

Nearby Attractions in Florianópolis

Enhance your UDESC visit by exploring:

Historic Downtown: Colonial architecture, museums, and the Public Market.
Beira-Mar Norte Avenue: Scenic waterfront promenade.
Lagoa da Conceição: A lively lagoon area with dining and water activities.
Nearby Beaches: Joaquina and Mole beaches are perfect for relaxation.
Cultural Venues: Santa Catarina Art Museum, Mercado Público, and local festivals.

Find more at Tourist Maker and Wanderlog’s Florianópolis cultural guide.

Academic Reputation and Community Role

UDESC is recognized internationally for academic quality, ranking in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings. It is among the top state universities in Brazil, excelling in areas such as Liberal Arts, Computer Science, and Psychology.

The university offers free undergraduate education, robust research output (over 22,000 publications), and is deeply engaged in regional development, inclusion, and innovation through industry partnerships and community outreach.

Exploring UDESC: Academic Excellence and Visitor Information

Rankings, Research, and Societal Impact

THE World University Rankings 2025: UDESC is featured for its teaching, research, and industry collaboration (Times Higher Education Rankings).
National Standing: Ranked 4th among state universities in Brazil.
Research: Over 22,000 publications and 142,000 citations. Strong in social sciences, computer science, and health.

Campus Visits, Admissions, and Accessibility

Tours: Schedule guided visits via the UDESC website.
Admissions: Information on undergraduate and graduate programs, scholarships, and deadlines is available online (UDESC overview).
Facilities: Libraries, cafeterias, sports centers, and accessible infrastructure.

Student Life

The Itacorubi campus is a hub for cultural and athletic events. CEART, the arts center, is especially renowned for public concerts, exhibitions, and festivals (details: CEART official site). Student organizations and competitions like Jiudesc contribute to a vibrant campus atmosphere.

UDESC Campus Visitor Guide: Hours, Tickets, and Local Highlights

Key Academic and Cultural Centers

FAED (Human Sciences & Education): Historic downtown building, home to MESC.
CEART (Arts): Modern arts center in Itacorubi, with galleries and theaters.
CEFID (Health & Sports): Sports and wellness facilities in Coqueiros.
ESAG (Business & Administration): Innovation and entrepreneurship-focused events.

Facilities and Amenities

Libraries: Access to digital/print collections.
Dining: Affordable cafeterias and snack bars.
Recreation: Sports fields and gyms (especially at CEFID).

Transportation

Public Transport: Multiple bus lines connect the campus to the city.
Biking: Bike paths and racks are available.
Parking: Limited spaces; public transport is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are UDESC’s visiting hours?
Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Museum and event hours may vary.

Is there an entrance fee?
General access is free; some special events may require tickets.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, by appointment through the visitor center or online.

Is UDESC accessible?
Yes, facilities include ramps, elevators, and multilingual guides.

How do I reach the campus?
Public buses serve the Itacorubi district; parking is limited.

What are nearby attractions?
Historic downtown, Beira-Mar Norte, Lagoa da Conceição, local beaches, and cultural venues.

Travel and Transportation Tips

Visit on weekdays for full access.
Use public transport or bikes for convenience.
Check event schedules in advance.
Combine your visit with local sightseeing for a richer experience.

Conclusion and Recommendations

A visit to UDESC in Florianópolis offers an immersive journey into Brazil’s academic and cultural landscape. From the historic charm of FAED and MESC to the contemporary vibrancy of the Itacorubi campus, UDESC is open and accessible to all. With free admission, guided tours, and a wealth of nearby attractions, it is ideal for students, educators, and travelers alike.

For the best experience:

Consult the UDESC website for current information.
Explore cultural calendars and download the Audiala app for personalized notifications.
Take time to explore Florianópolis’s rich history, arts, and natural beauty alongside your campus visit.

UDESC stands as a cornerstone of education and culture in southern Brazil—discover for yourself why it is so highly regarded.