Cartagena opens Isaac Peral House Museum celebrating the inventor of the torpedo submarine

Cartagena has added a new cultural and heritage space with the inauguration of the Isaac Peral House Museum, an establishment dedicated to the legacy of the sailor and inventor, born in the coastal municipality. The inauguration of the space coincides with the 175th anniversary of Isaac Peral’s birth, and will allow visitors to learn more about his incredible life and career.

Where and what to see at Cartagena’s brand new museum

The Isaac Peral House Museum is located in the heart of Cartagena’s historic centre, at Callejón Zorrilla, 3. The museum is actually located in the house where Isaac Peral was born, which has been carefully restored and transformed into an exhibition space, forming part of the Cartagena Puerto de Culturas network. With this project, Cartagena officials not only give residents and tourists a new museum to visit, but also preserve real Cartagena history and help contextualise the 19th-century version of the city.

Some of the recovered features of the house are part of the wooden structure, the doors, the original staircase, and an 18th-century cistern.

Who was Isaac Peral? An important Cartagena figure whose legacy reinvented naval engineering

Isaac Peral was the inventor of the torpedo submarine, and during his life, made invaluable contributions to science. He was also an engineer and a naval officer. In the museum, guests can traverse through the exhibitions which represent different stages of Peral’s life, from his childhood and family life to his scientific and engineering achievements. Across several themed floors, guests can learn about his personal and professional life, including the development of the submarine and the technical innovations that revolutionised naval engineering.

The museum also aims to be inclusive to those with disabilities, offering features including Braille text, audio descriptions, QR codes, and sign language guides.

The museum will combine historical documents, original artefacts, audiovisual presentations, and interactive displays for guests to learn about the life and legacy of this important Cartagena figure.

Cartagena’s museum scene, reinforcing its spot as the historical hub of the Costa Calida

In a city known for its stunning museums, Cartagena, with the inauguration of this project, has reinforced its position as a historical hotspot on the Costa Calida, and given history buffs and newcomers a reason to stop by and learn about the incredible and lasting legacy of this great Costa Calida naval engineer.