Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra > Alta
The Cabinet of Curiosities is located in Coimbra's Alta (Upper Town), a historic area of the city. It is housed in the building of the former Colégio de Jesus, an integral part of the University of Coimbra's architectural complex. The walk to this space traverses old stone staircases and wooden corridors, evoking centuries of history and academic life, lending a particular atmosphere to the arrival.
This unique space presents a vast compilation of objects that reflect the spirit of the ancient “cabinets of curiosities” from the 16th to 18th centuries. It gathers around four thousand specimens and artifacts, accumulated over more than two and a half centuries of research and teaching at the University of Coimbra. The collection encompasses both elements of nature, such as skeletons of exotic animals and unusual minerals, and artifacts created by man, including masks and other pieces.
The diversity is remarkable, with taxidermy specimens from various provenances, enigmatic objects, and even biological curiosities, such as specimens with anomalies. The selection of pieces does not follow a rigid scientific logic, prioritizing their beauty, rarity, or peculiar nature, much like the collectors of old who sought to surprise and amaze.
Upon entering the Cabinet of Curiosities, visitors are enveloped by a distinctive ambiance, where contemplation plays a central role. There are no explanatory labels or a pre-defined route. Instead, the experience is guided by light, which subtly transforms to highlight different sets of objects, creating moments of discovery and revelation. This approach allows for an emotional and sensory immersion, inviting inquiry and admiration for the vast collection.
Large objects, such as cetacean skeletons or embalmed crocodiles, can be observed suspended from the ceiling, while numerous other pieces fill display cases lining the walls. The sound environment complements the visual experience, contributing to recreate the atmosphere of a "theatre of the world," where the unexpected and the beautiful coexist and stimulate the curiosity of those who explore the space.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.2101981,-8.4245969
Coordinates DMS: 40°12'36.7"N 08°25'28.5"W
Weather Coimbra
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