Municipal Cultural Center

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Arts Centre

District: Bragança > Bragança > Bragança > Sé, Santa Maria e Meixedo

Location:

Located in the Sé, Santa Maria, and Meixedo area, in the heart of the city of Bragança, the Municipal Cultural Centre is situated in an urban environment rich in history. Its central location in the town facilitates access and integrates it into the city's daily life.

A Centennial Legacy:

The building housing the Municipal Cultural Centre boasts a rich history, dating back to the mid-16th century. Initially designed to be a Santa Clara Nuns' Monastery, a project that did not come to fruition, the space was later granted, in 1562, for the establishment of a Jesuit College.

It remained connected to the Society of Jesus until their expulsion from Portugal in 1759. Over the centuries, the site continued to play a significant role, serving as a Diocesan Seminary from 1764, following the relocation of the Bishopric seat from Miranda to Bragança. Later, in the 1960s, it housed the National Lyceum of Bragança and, subsequently, the Augusto Moreno Preparatory School, before being redeveloped and inaugurated as the current Municipal Cultural Centre in 2004, thus perpetuating its vocation for education and culture.

Heritage and Architecture:

This remarkable building in Bragança is an architectural and heritage testament over 450 years old. Its original construction, conceived to host religious and educational communities, reflects the artistic value and solidity of its era, having been preserved and adapted over time. The redevelopment that transformed it into the Municipal Cultural Centre in 2004 respected its historical structure, allowing the building to remain a landmark in the urban landscape, combining the past with contemporary functionality.

The Space Today:

Inside, the Municipal Cultural Centre offers a variety of spaces dedicated to culture and knowledge. Here you will find the Municipal Conservatory of Music and Dance, the Municipal Library, and also the Professor Adriano Moreira Library, whose name was given to the Centre in 2010. For those exploring local history, the City Memory Space presents a detailed perspective on Bragança's journey, including models and historical elements.

There are also several rooms that host temporary exhibitions and other cultural activities, maintaining the building as a dynamic point for gathering and sharing. Furthermore, in the rear part of the building, there are indications of archaeological excavations, enriching the visitor's experience.

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