Stone Museum of the Municipality of Cantanhede

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Coimbra > Cantanhede > Cantanhede > Cantanhede e Pocariça

Location

The Stone Museum is located in the urban area of Cantanhede, integrating into the city's surroundings. It occupies a building that combines the character of a recovered 18th-century manor house with a more recent, contemporary construction wing. It is situated next to the Municipal House of Culture and features an outdoor garden that complements the museum's interior space.

The Legacy of Ançã Stone

This museum is dedicated to telling the history and importance of the local limestone, known as "Ançã stone." The extraction and working of this stone profoundly marked the region's identity and activities throughout the centuries. The museum seeks to preserve and display the cultural, artistic, and anthropological imprints associated with this unique material.

The Collections on Display

In the museum's exhibition space, visitors can explore various collections. The permanent exhibition covers the geology of the municipality and the stone extraction methods. It also presents archaeological artifacts found in the region and a remarkable collection of fossils, some approximately 174 million years old, which illustrate the antiquity of "Ançã stone." Examples of ancient statuary and ornaments made with this stone can be seen, as well as the traditional tools used by master stonemasons.

Art and Living Crafts

In addition to the permanent collection, the museum includes an area for temporary exhibitions, showcasing various displays, including contemporary sculpture. A notable project has been the rotating exhibition of sacred art pieces from the municipality's churches and chapels, allowing visitors to discover this religious heritage. The museum also features a space called "Living Museum," which includes an auditorium and workshops, serving as an area for more interactive activities related to plastic arts and stone work.

Distinctions and Recognition

The quality of the work developed by the Stone Museum has been recognized. Shortly after its opening in 2001, it was distinguished by the Portuguese Association of Museology. Later, in 2006, it received the National Geoconservation Award, emphasizing its contribution to the preservation of geological heritage.

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