Regional Historical Museum, Former Barracks of the Compañía Fija
In Mexico known as: Museo Histórico Regional Ex Cuartel de la Compañía Fija (temporalmente cerrado)
Museum Overview
Location & Contact
Museum Information
Permanent Exhibitions
6
Temporary Exhibitions
2
Founded
1995
Affiliation
Secretaría de Cultura/INAH
Introduction
Explore Ensenada’s regional history at the ex Cuartel de la Compañía Fija, a historic fort now housing local artifacts and stories. Although temporarily closed, the building still invites future visits for architecture and culture lovers.
Museum Exhibitions
Permanent Collections
The site features six permanent exhibition rooms: Sala de Paleontología (30 m²), Sala Arqueología del Paleoindígena (20 m²), Sala Arqueología del Arcaico (30 m²), Sala Arqueología Prehistoria Tardía (24 m²), Sala Grupos Nativos de Baja California (24 m²), Sala Historia (24 m²). Fossils of ammonites, gastropods, bivalves, trilobites and shark teeth over 12 million years old are on display, as well as skeletal remains of a mammoth dating more than 10 thousand years old; In the Sala Arqueología del Paleoindígena, stone artifacts such as tajadores, raspadores, desfibradores and fragments of Clovis-type points were used as tools and weapons; In the Sala Arqueología del Arcaico, there are recreations of concheros, funerary customs and rupestrian rock art manifestations, plus elaborated pieces of stone, bone and shell for ritual and daily use; In the Sala Arqueología Prehistoria Tardía, there are objects and activities fundamental to daily life of the ancient inhabitants: a room called wa, tools, acorn gathering, a stone-and-shell necklace with pieces melted during the cremation rite of an infant; some ceramic vessels characteristic of this period; a one‑centimeter‑long projectile point finely crafted in transparent quartz, among many other pieces of bone, shell and wood; In the Sala Grupos Nativos de Baja California, you can see the most common artisanal works of each community and the diversity of their landscapes and how they interact with them through their languages, all of which are highly endangered; In the Sala Historia, the collection includes fragments of Chinese ceramics, wax remnants for hull caulking and tools and clothing used by native groups at contact with missionaries; the missionary era began in 1697 with the Jesuits; when they were expelled, the Franciscans took over evangelization, and finally the Dominicans worked until the mid‑19th century.
Special Exhibitions
The museum has two temporary exhibition areas: Área de las Crujías (63 m²), originally used as soldiers' dormitories and barracks during the military cuartel era, later as jail cells; Área de la Pieza del Mes (16 m²).
Highlights
- Historic fort with regional artifacts
- Architectural charm and brickwork
- Insight into Ensenada's maritime past
- Photogenic exterior and harbor views
- Quiet, reflective space for learning
At a Glance
Visit Duration
45-75 minutes
Best Time to Visit
Early mornings or late afternoons
Accessibility
Limited accessibility due to historic architecture; verify on official site.
Photography
Photography rules not publicly listed; verify on official site.
WiFi
Wi‑Fi details not listed; verify on official site.
Facilities
Restrooms are available nearby.
Hours
Tue–Sun 9 AM–5 PM (during vacation periods, the museum is open Monday through Sunday at the same hours); Mon Closed
Cost Information
Free admission
Tickets
Ticket information not publicly listed; verify on official site.
Getting There
Accessible by car, bus, or rideshare, with limited street parking nearby. From the waterfront, public transit routes connect to the historic center where the museum sits, and taxis are readily available.
Nearby Places
Harborfront Café
Great for a quick drink before or after.
La Baja Market
Taste local crafts and snacks.
Ensenada Wharf
Scenic sea walk nearby.
Fisherman’s Lookout
Photo ops at sunset.
Visitor Policies
Photography
Photo policy not listed; verify on official site.
Bags & Storage
Bag policy not specified; check on official site prior to visit.
Strollers & Children
Strollers allowed; some areas may restrict access; verify on official site.
Lockers
Locker availability not publicly listed; verify on official site.
Tips for Your Visit
To beat crowds, consider visiting on weekdays early in the day and pre-plan your route around the building. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid peak times; be prepared for limited on-site services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours for Museo Histórico Regional Ex Cuartel de la Compañía Fija (temporalmente cerrado)?
At Regional Historical Museum, Former Barracks of the Compañía Fija, tue–sun 9 am–5 pm (during vacation periods, the museum is open monday through sunday at the same hours); mon closed.
Is it worth visiting for families at Regional Historical Museum, Former Barracks of the Compañía Fija?
At Museo Histórico Regional Ex Cuartel de la Compañía Fija (temporalmente cerrado) Baja California, yes, it offers local history and a compact, manageable visit
Is photography allowed at Museo Histórico Regional Ex Cuartel de la Compañía Fija (temporalmente cerrado) Baja California?
At Museo Histórico Regional Ex Cuartel de la Compañía Fija (temporalmente cerrado), Baja California, photography rules are not publicly listed; verify on official site
Are there guided tours at Museo Histórico Regional Ex Cuartel de la Compañía Fija (temporalmente cerrado), Baja California?
At Regional Historical Museum, Former Barracks of the Compañía Fija Baja California, guided tours details are not listed; verify on official site
Is Regional Historical Museum, Former Barracks of the Compañía Fija Baja California accessible for visitors with disabilities?
At Regional Historical Museum, Former Barracks of the Compañía Fija, Baja California, accessibility details are not published here; verify on official site
How long should I plan for a visit to Regional Historical Museum, Former Barracks of the Compañía Fija, Baja California?
Most visitors to Museo Histórico Regional Ex Cuartel de la Compañía Fija (temporalmente cerrado) spend about 45-75 minutes
Can I park nearby at Museo Histórico Regional Ex Cuartel de la Compañía Fija (temporalmente cerrado)?
At Regional Historical Museum, Former Barracks of the Compañía Fija, parking options are not listed; verify on official site
What makes this museum unique at Regional Historical Museum, Former Barracks of the Compañía Fija?
At Museo Histórico Regional Ex Cuartel de la Compañía Fija (temporalmente cerrado) Baja California, it preserves regional history within a historic fort building
Are there restrooms on site at Museo Histórico Regional Ex Cuartel de la Compañía Fija (temporalmente cerrado) Baja California?
At Museo Histórico Regional Ex Cuartel de la Compañía Fija (temporalmente cerrado), Baja California, restrooms are available nearby
Is there an on-site cafe at Museo Histórico Regional Ex Cuartel de la Compañía Fija (temporalmente cerrado), Baja California?
At Regional Historical Museum, Former Barracks of the Compañía Fija Baja California, there is no information about an on-site cafe; verify on official site