Visit the Ecomuseum in Foz do Iguaçu to discover the history of the Itaipu Dam and see artifacts relating to the ecology and topography of the region. Follow a circuit of themed displays and interactive exhibits as you learn about the people, machinery and engineering feats involved in constructing the world’s second-largest hydroelectric power plant.
Highlights include a replica of a turbine from the Itaipu Dam power plant. Experience the noise levels that you can expect to hear inside the plant’s inner core. Inspect scale models of the dam, prehistoric artifacts excavated during its construction and taxidermy displays of local fauna. Look down through the museum’s glass floors to see maps and examples of the topography of the Itaipu region and Iguaçu Falls.
Don’t miss the photo gallery, which contains about 4,500 photos commemorating the people who helped in building the dam. The museum also hosts occasional art exhibitions. Previous exhibitions include work by Brazilian poet Paulo Leminski. Many of the museum’s displays are written in Portuguese, but knowledgeable guides are on hand to provide useful information and answer questions.
Combine your visit to the museum with a tour of the Itaipu Dam itself. Marvel as immeasurable torrents of water pour into the Itaipu Reservoir 656 feet (200 metres) below. Walk along the dam’s walls to enjoy panoramic reservoir views while admiring a magnificent architectural and engineering achievement.
Located close to the Itaipu Dam, the Ecomuseum is a 20-minute drive from Foz do Iguaçu’s city centre. The museum is easily accessible by public buses, which depart from Foz do Iguaçu’s bus terminal. Many hotels also run combined tours of the museum and dam. Park for free outside the museum’s entrance.
Ecomuseum is open from Tuesday through Sunday and there is a low-cost admission fee. Purchase tickets from the Itaipu Information Centre. Full details are available on the official website of Turismo Itaipu. Allow about 1 hour to visit all of the museum’s exhibits.
