Corbeta Esmeralda Museum
Tarapacá
The Corbeta Esmeralda Museum in Iquique, Chile, is a unique maritime museum featuring a life-size replica of the Chilean wooden-hulled steam corvette Esmeralda as it appeared on May 20, 1879, the day before its sinking at the Battle of Iquique during the War of the Pacific. The original Esmeralda, launched in 1855 in England, played a pivotal role in Chilean naval history, notably capturing the Peruvian ship Virgen de Covadonga in 1865 and engaging the Peruvian turret ship Huáscar in a heroic battle where its captain, Arturo Prat, was killed. The museum offers an immersive experience through thirteen detailed scenes that depict life aboard the ship, including the living quarters of the commander and crew, the operation of the ship's machinery, and the deck with its artillery. Opened in 2011, the museum was conceived as a bicentennial project supported by private and public entities, aiming to preserve and celebrate Chile's naval heritage. It is the most visited museum in the Tarapacá region and provides visitors with a vivid understanding of 19th-century naval life and Chile's maritime legacy.
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Consejo: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during daylight hours to fully experience the detailed exhibits. Guided tours and audio guides are available and recommended to enhance understanding of the ship's history and the museum's scenes. Tickets can be purchased on-site, with discounts available for children, seniors, and groups. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons to ensure availability.
Datos interesantes
- •The museum is a 1:1 scale replica of the Esmeralda as it was on May 20, 1879, the day before it sank.
- •The original Esmeralda was sunk after a three-hour battle against the Peruvian turret ship Huáscar.
- •Captain Arturo Prat, a national hero of Chile, died leading a boarding attempt during the Battle of Iquique.
- •The museum consists of thirteen detailed scenes that recreate life aboard the ship compartment by compartment.
- •The project to build the museum was initiated by a private mining company for Chile's bicentennial and involved collaboration between the Chilean Navy, regional government, and local municipality.
Historia
The original Esmeralda was authorized for construction in 1852 and launched in 1855 in England.
It served the Chilean Navy for over two decades, participating in key naval conflicts such as the Chincha Islands War and the War of the Pacific.
On May 21, 1879, during the Battle of Iquique, the Esmeralda was sunk after a fierce engagement with the Peruvian ship Huáscar, with Captain Arturo Prat dying heroically.
Decades later, in 2011, a full-scale replica was inaugurated in Iquique to commemorate the ship's legacy and Chile's naval history, becoming a major cultural and historical attraction in the region.
Guía del lugar
Commander’s Quarters1879
Recreation of the living and working space of Captain Arturo Prat, showcasing his role and daily life aboard the Esmeralda.
Crew Quarters1879
Detailed depiction of the sailors' living conditions, illustrating the daily routines and camaraderie among the ship's 200 crew members.
Engine Room1855
Exhibit demonstrating the operation of the ship's two horizontal condensing steam engines powered by four coal-fired boilers, which propelled the ship at speeds up to 8 knots.
Gun Deck1867-68
Displays the armament of the Esmeralda, including twelve Armstrong rifled 40-pounder guns and four Whitworth smoothbore 40-pounders as fitted during 1867-68.
Deck and Boarding Area1879
Area illustrating the battle preparations and the site where Captain Prat led his fateful boarding attempt during the Battle of Iquique.
Contacto
Teléfono: (57) 224 8160