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Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura: A Cultural Oasis

Discover Fortaleza's cultural heart at Dragão do Mar: art, history, and entertainment in a vibrant complex.

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The Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura, known as Dragão do Mar, is a vibrant cultural center in Fortaleza's Praia de Iracema. Opened in 1999, it offers art exhibitions, theaters, a planetarium, and more, revitalizing the historic neighborhood and honoring abolitionist Dragão do Mar.

A brief summary to Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura

  • R. Dragão do Mar, 81, Fortaleza, Praia de Iracema, Ceará, 60060-390, BR
  • Visit website
  • Monday 9 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-9 pm
  • Friday 9 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and better enjoy the exhibits and performances.
  • Check the official website for the latest schedule of events, as there are often free performances and activities.
  • Explore the surrounding Praia de Iracema neighborhood, known for its nightlife, restaurants, and artisan shops.
  • Take advantage of the free guided tours to learn more about the history and significance of the cultural center.
  • Visit the planetarium for an immersive experience, especially enjoyable for families and space enthusiasts.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From anywhere in Praia de Iracema, the Centro Dragão do Mar is easily accessible by foot. ориентируйтесь towards Rua Dragão do Mar, where the center is located. The distinctive modern architecture is visible from several blocks away. Walking from the eastern end of Praia de Iracema takes about 15-20 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve the Praia de Iracema area. Check local bus routes (011, 071, 073, 077) for the most convenient option from your location. Get off at a stop on Avenida Almirante Barroso near the Dragão do Mar. A one-way bus fare is R$4.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and 99 are readily available in Fortaleza. A short taxi ride from Meireles or the city center to Dragão do Mar typically costs between R$12 and R$20, depending on traffic and distance. Confirm the fare or use the app for an estimate before starting your trip.

Unlock the Best of Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura

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Discover more about Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura

The Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura is a cornerstone of cultural life in Fortaleza, Brazil. Opened on April 28, 1999, it was a key project in revitalizing the Praia de Iracema area. The center is named after Francisco José do Nascimento, an abolitionist leader known as Dragão do Mar (Dragon of the Sea). The center's architecture, designed by Delberg Ponce de Leon and Fausto Nilo, blends modernity with tradition. It houses the Memorial da Cultura Cearense, the Museu de Arte Contemporânea do Ceará, theaters, cinemas, and the Planetário Rubens de Azevedo. Dragão do Mar offers a wide range of activities, including art exhibitions, theater performances, music concerts, film screenings, and educational workshops. Dragão do Mar has a significant impact on Fortaleza and Ceará, promoting regional culture and providing a platform for local and international artists. Its educational programs collaborate with schools and universities to integrate arts into education. The center attracts many visitors, stimulating local business and employment. With approximately 14,500 square meters of constructed area, Dragão do Mar contributes to the urban space of the old port area and the requalification of buildings of great historical value in the city's cultural corridor. About 90% of the program has free access or symbolic prices, with the goal of forming an audience in the various artistic languages.

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