Whaling Museum

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Museum

District: Açores > Lajes das Flores > Lajes das Flores

Location

This museum is located in Lajes das Flores, a coastal village on the island of the same name. Its position, close to the sea, naturally reflects the local community's historical connection to maritime activities.

It is an area that invites observation of the fishing environment and the surrounding landscape, offering an authentic perspective on island life.

Maritime Memory and Heritage

The Whaling Museum's main objective is to preserve and disseminate the vast heritage and historical memory linked to whaling activity in Flores. Under the responsibility of the Lajes das Flores Naval Club, the space is dedicated to telling the story of a practice that profoundly marked the island's culture and economy.

Here, the aim is to keep alive the narrative of the men and vessels that participated in this important phase of Azorean history, offering a window into the maritime past.

The Boat House and the Concept of a Living Museum

One of the most unique elements of this museum is the renovation of its old boat house. This space, which once served as a shelter for whaling boats, will house two historical boats: the São Pedro and the Formosa.

The "living museum" concept allows visitors a dynamic experience. It will be possible to see these boats not only protected on land but also, on certain occasions, sailing at sea. Although no longer intended for whale hunting, they continue to be a tangible testament to the art of navigation and a vital link to the island's whaling legacy.