Museum of the Orchard

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Açores > Horta > Horta > Matriz

Location

The Horta Museum is located in the heart of Horta city, within the area known as Matriz. It occupies a historically and architecturally significant building, the former Jesuit College, situated in Largo Duque d'Avila e Bolama. Its central position makes it easily accessible to those exploring the city on foot.

This historic site is integrated into the main urban fabric, flanked by other points of interest in the city, contributing to the cultural atmosphere of the surrounding area.

A Building with History

The Horta Museum is housed in a property with a long and rich history: the former Jesuit College. The construction of this building dates back to the 18th century, although it was not fully completed at the time due to significant historical events.

This architectural complex, classified as a Regional Monument, offers by itself a glimpse into the island's past, serving as an appropriate setting for the collections it houses, which are linked to the identity and trajectory of Faial.

The Museum Collections

The Horta Museum's collection is diverse and aims to tell the history and life of the island across different eras. Permanent exhibitions cover a period from the 16th century to the present day, exploring various aspects of Faial's culture and heritage.

Visitors can find collections dedicated to local ethnography, with artifacts illustrating ancient crafts, traditional agricultural techniques, and work with materials such as linen and wool. The museum also preserves the memory of the Port of Horta and its central role in Atlantic communications, particularly through its submarine cable stations. There are also sections dedicated to sacred art, plastic arts, and historical and photographic documents.

The Highlight: Fig Pith Art

Among the various collections present in the museum, a particularly unique set with a strong connection to the island stands out: the artistic works made from fig pith. This delicate and intricate artisanal technique was remarkably developed by the Faialese artist Euclides Silveira da Rosa.

The exhibition of these fig pith pieces constitutes a unique point of interest for the museum, representing a form of artistic expression that reflects local creativity and the peculiar use of the island's natural materials.

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