Museo Corbeta Esmeralda, Naval history museum in Iquique, Chile.

The Esmeralda is a naval museum in Iquique featuring a full-scale representation of a Chilean corvette. Thirteen detailed scenes throughout the ship depict maritime operations and the daily routines of the crew.

The museum reproduces the corvette Esmeralda as it was on 20 May 1879, the day before it was sunk at the naval battle of Iquique. The project began in 2004 when Minera Collahuasi surveyed its workers for a bicentennial contribution; construction contracts were signed in 2009 and 2010 with Astilleros Marco Chilena.

The guided route follows thirteen scenes, compartment by compartment, recreating life aboard on 20 May 1879, the day before the battle. Visitors pass through the commander's and officers' quarters, the crew's living areas, the between-decks and the gun deck, learning how the ship was operated and how its engine worked.

The museum sits on Avenida Arturo Prat Chacón in an easy-to-reach location along the waterfront. Guided tours are available, and audio guides help you understand the exhibits in several languages.

The museum was conceived in 2004, when Minera Collahuasi polled its workers on a Bicentennial project for Iquique; a replica of the Esmeralda won. The ship was built by Astilleros Marco Chilena in Iquique, and the museum is the most visited in the Tarapacá Region.