Francisco de Lacerda Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Açores > Calheta > Calheta > Centro Histórico

Location

The Francisco de Lacerda Museum is located in the village of Calheta, within its historical zone. It is built on a slope overlooking the Village Pier, a central area with direct access to the sea.

Its position in the urban fabric offers a unique setting, being close to the town's seafront and integrating into the village environment.

The Museum Building

The building housing the museum has a history of its own, significant to the locality. It was built over the ruins of an old fish cannery, the Marie d'Anjou Cannery. This industrial origin gives it a direct connection to the economic activities that shaped the island over time.

Before becoming the Francisco de Lacerda Museum, the space evolved from an Ethnographic House, which later gave rise to the São Jorge Museum. This progression reflects the growing importance given to the preservation and dissemination of local heritage.

The Island's Memories

The collections exhibited in the museum seek to tell the story and life of the people of São Jorge. The collection covers various areas portraying the daily life and traditions of the island, from ethnography with ceramic pieces, textiles, and furniture, to instruments related to agricultural and livestock activities.

Special emphasis is given to Azorean music, exploring classical and popular music, the role of philharmonic bands in the community, and, naturally, the life and work of Francisco de Lacerda himself. The legacy of the canning industry is also represented, honoring the building's history and an economic activity that shaped part of the local identity.

A Name and Many Stories

The museum pays tribute to Francisco de Lacerda, a conductor and composer native to São Jorge who achieved international recognition. His connection to the island and the world of music is documented in the collection, allowing for an understanding of the importance of this figure to Azorean culture.

In addition to this tribute, the museum preserves objects that reveal unique aspects of the culture of São Jorge. It is possible to find pieces such as the "chavões", traditional wooden molds used in decorating cakes for the eve of the Holy Spirit Festivals, or material testimonies of the old tuna fishing, illustrating activities and traditions that defined island life.

Spaces for Learning and Leisure

In addition to areas dedicated to permanent exhibitions, the museum offers other spaces that complement the visit. It includes a documentation center for those wishing to deepen their knowledge on the topics covered, an auditorium that hosts various cultural events, and a room for temporary exhibitions, providing new perspectives on the heritage.

The museum also features indoor and outdoor areas designed as leisure and social spaces, reinforcing its vocation as an open and dynamic place for the community and for visitors seeking to discover the cultural richness of São Jorge.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt