João Felipe Railway Museum
The João Felipe Railway Museum, located in the heart of Fortaleza, plays a fundamental role in preserving and celebrating Ceará’s railway history. Installed in the former railway station that played a crucial role in the economic development of the region throughout the 20th century, the museum is part of the revitalized Estação das Artes Cultural Complex.
This exhibition immerses visitors in the railway’s past, integrating modern museological practices with interactive design. Amidst a rich and diverse collection, the exhibition “On the Tracks of Time” presents the historical journey of the railways and the people who built and used this system. Every element was designed to create an educational and engaging experience, connecting the public with Ceará’s significant railway legacy.
Executed over five months, the project sought to harmonize the station's historical heritage with the demands of a contemporary museum, blending tradition and innovation in a space that celebrates the past and inspires the future.
Concept & Execution
The João Felipe Station, one of the most important in the railway history of Ceará, was inaugurated in 1880. The station was a key railway connection point in Fortaleza and played a crucial role in the economic development of the city and state throughout the 20th century. With the gradual deactivation of the railway system for passenger transport, João Felipe Station lost its original function and remained unused for many years.
However, the local government, together with cultural institutions, decided to revitalize the space, transforming it into an arts and culture center. Thus, the Estação das Artes Cultural Complex was born, now housing the João Felipe Railway Museum, as well as art galleries, spaces for cultural events, and areas dedicated to education and the preservation of historical heritage.
The Railway Museum, plays a significant role in preserving and celebrating the railway history of Ceará. The exhibition design project was developed by André Scarlazzari and Marcus Braga, along with Pedro Lides, and took about five months to complete. The museum's collection comes from the former Museum of the Railway History Preservation Center of Ceará, which operated from 1982 to 1999.
The museum focuses on the rich history of railways and the people who built, maintained, and used the system. The exhibition was designed to integrate modern museological practices while honoring the past, creating an immersive experience for visitors. The exhibition, titled "On the Tracks of Time", blends historical narrative with interactive design elements, making the experience both educational and engaging for diverse audiences.
Assembly
The João Felipe Railway Museum project is not just a tribute to the past but a revival of the memory and cultural identity of Fortaleza and Ceará. By preserving and celebrating the history of the railroads, it highlights the profound impact that railway transport had on the region’s economic and social development, connecting communities, transporting wealth, and accelerating urban and industrial growth.
This museum offers an immersive and educational experience that goes beyond a simple display of artifacts. It reconnects new generations with the legacy of an era when railroads were the engine of progress, while utilizing cutting-edge exhibition design techniques to engage audiences of all ages.
The success of the project lies in its ability to restore the cultural and social function of a historical space that had long been abandoned. Transforming João Felipe Station into a hub for art and culture reaffirms the importance of preserving historical heritage as a means to build a more conscious future connected to its roots. This museum not only celebrates the past but also opens doors to new ways of thinking and creating, making it a vital reference point for education and cultural tourism in Brazil.
