Graciosa Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Açores > Santa Cruz da Graciosa > Santa Cruz da Graciosa > Zona Central

Location:

The Graciosa Museum is located in the central area of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, the island's main town. It is housed in Largo Conde de Simas, an easily accessible area for those strolling through the town. Its position in the heart of Santa Cruz allows visitors to easily integrate it into their exploration of the town.

Its History and Evolution

The history of the Graciosa Museum dates back to 1977 with the creation of an Ethnographic House. It was formally inaugurated as a museum in 1983, initially housed in a building that once served as a cereal and wine warehouse, known as the granel. In 2010, the museum was expanded, which allowed for the reorganization of the space and improved conditions for collections and activities, including the creation of new exhibition areas and services.

Memories of Daily Life and Crafts

In the museum's original building, it is possible to discover aspects of the island's daily and economic life. One section reproduces a traditional winery, displaying original tools used in wine production, such as the lagar and presses. Another area is dedicated to the crafts that marked Graciosa's history, from carpentry and cooperage to pottery, joinery, and shoemaking, revealing knowledge and techniques that in some cases have already disappeared. There is also a room dedicated to the island's festivals and social events, and a space for temporary exhibitions.

Graciosa Agriculture

The 2010 expansion created a space dedicated to agricultural activity, fundamental to Graciosa's identity. This permanent area of the museum presents a collection of agricultural implements, i.e., the tools and utensils used by the island's farmers over time. It allows visitors to understand the methods of work in the field and the importance of the land for the people of Graciosa.

The Defense Garden

Connecting the two buildings that comprise the museum is a garden. This outdoor space houses several pieces of artillery that, in the past, were part of the island's coastal fortifications. These pieces served to defend Graciosa from attacks by pirates and corsairs, a real danger, especially during the period when Portugal was under the rule of the Philippine Dynasty. The garden thus offers a perspective on the island's military and defensive history.

Understanding the Island's Identity

Beyond the specific collections, the museum seeks to explain the essence of Graciosa island and how its inhabitants adapted and prospered in their environment. A central theme is the importance of water, showing the ingenuity used to capture and manage it on an island where rain is not always abundant. Through the objects and exhibitions, visitors can understand how agriculture, crafts, religious traditions, and festivals shaped the lives of the Graciosa people and the unique identity of this place.

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