The Navy Cultural Space (ECM) is located on the old docks of the Customs House, on a land reclamation area constructed in the second half of the 19th century. The ECM is part of the Cultural Complex of the Navy, a circuit of museums and exhibition which include the Naval Museum and Fiscal Island.
At the entrance to the Cultural Space is the Galiot D. João VI, a boat constructed in Salvador in 1808, and in use until the republic period. Inside, one can find the Riachuelo Submarine-Museum, and the Bauru and Descobrimentos Ship-Museums, moored at the Cultural Space wharf.