Fort São João, in Bertioga, shows an exhibition on the history of Brazil

São João de Bertioga Fort, on the São Paulo coast, receives an unprecedented exhibition on the history of Brazil, drawing parallels with the appearance of the fort and also of the city of Bertioga. When the exhibition was created, more than 470 public school teachers in Bertioga were trained on the subject.

Listed by the National Historic Heritage Institute (Iphan), the fort is part of the Indicative List of World Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco). With its first structure built in 1536, it was made of wood until it was rebuilt in masonry, under the orders and plans of the Portuguese royal crown between 1551 and 1553.

The place was established as a military point for attacking and defending the Portuguese occupation. For local communities, the fort meant a threat to their societies and cultures.

At the exhibition, the public receives audio guides with three types of narratives: one historical, the other fictional and one for people with visual impairments. Images, illustrations, texts and a documentary made with the residents also guide the visitors.

It is possible to see, at the site, artifacts from different local indigenous peoples, such as a canoe, pipes, headdress, rattles, bow, arrows and spears. The space also features four interactive scenographic machines, old clippings and texts from the city, a fishing game machine about the caiçara culture and a naval battle machine game.

Curated by the museologist Marília Bonas, the exhibition was conceived based on analyzes and surveys by professors Marília Ariza and Renato de Mattos, as well as researchers from the São Paulo Pinacoteca. It also has the curatorship of the indigenous philosopher and teacher Cristine Takuá, from Aldeia Rio Silveiras, in Bertioga.

Visiting hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 6 pm. No appointment required and admission is free

Text translated using artificial intelligence.