Center of Arts and Marine Sciences

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Açores > Lajes do Pico > Lajes do Pico > Ribeira do Meio

Location

The Center for Arts and Marine Sciences is located in the picturesque village of Lajes do Pico, on Pico Island, Azores. It is specifically situated in the Ribeira do Meio area, a region with strong ties to the ocean and the municipality's maritime history. Its seafront location provides a natural setting that complements its main theme, integrating it organically into Lajes' coastal landscape.

The Industrial Legacy and Whaling Memory

This unique space occupies the former premises of the SIBIL whaling factory, an industrial facility that played a central role in the local economy. Between 1955 and the early 1980s, the factory was dedicated to transforming large cetaceans into oils and flours. This industrial past, intrinsically linked to Azorean whaling culture, is now preserved and perpetuated in this Center. Between 2005 and 2007, the building underwent a restoration and requalification project, transforming this historic site into a modern interpretive center.

Exploration of Marine Life and Exhibitions

Upon visiting the Center, it is possible to explore its industrial heritage, which remains on permanent display, bearing witness to the former factory's operations. Beyond the whaling memory, the Center provides in-depth knowledge about ocean life through thematic exhibitions. The multimedia exhibition "Giants of the Sea" addresses the biology and ecology of large cetaceans, inviting visitors to discover these majestic animals. Additionally, the "Sea of Life" exhibition presents a recreation of various marine species that inhabit the waters of the Azores and the vast Atlantic Ocean.

A Hub of Culture and Maritime Awareness

More than a museum space, the Center for Arts and Marine Sciences acts as a cultural and educational driver. The venue regularly hosts and promotes various artistic and cultural events, contributing to the community's vitality. In parallel, the Center develops educational animation activities, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of conserving maritime heritage and the vast biodiversity of the Azores.

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