Maritime Museum Centre

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Coimbra > Figueira da Foz > Buarcos > Várzea

Location

The Sea Museum Center is located in Buarcos, a picturesque coastal village that is part of Figueira da Foz. Situated in the Várzea area, this museum occupies a centenary building in the heart of the village, immersed in an environment that still reflects the fishing tradition and its proximity to the ocean.

A Maritime Legacy

Inaugurated in 2003, the Sea Museum Center is dedicated to safeguarding and sharing the rich historical memories and fishing practices that shaped the identity of the coastal communities of Figueira da Foz. This space allows for an understanding of the deep connection between humankind and the maritime environment, from the courageous and demanding cod fishing trade to other activities, natural resources, and sociocultural traditions that define the region.

Stories from the Past

Inside the Museum Center, visitors are invited to an encounter with the maritime past through a vast local collection. The collection includes important documentary records (written, photographic, and audiovisual) as well as oral testimonies that give voice to the experiences of yesteryear. The exhibition of tools and ethnological landmarks illustrates individual and collective memories, revealing the identity and traditions of the various communities dedicated to fishing activities.

Centers of Knowledge and Discovery

In addition to its main exhibitions, the Sea Museum Center houses spaces dedicated to deepening knowledge. Since 2013, the ground floor has hosted the Buarcos Branch of the Pedro Fernandes Tomás Municipal Public Library, a reading point specializing in maritime themes. This branch offers a collection from the municipal library, focusing on maritime history and children's literature, enriched by bibliographic donations.

More recently, since 2015, the museum integrated the "Querer Saber" (Want to Know) space. This venue offers a permanent exhibition room, a documentation center, and an experimental science laboratory. Its purpose is to promote scientific culture and bring it closer to the public, encouraging curiosity and learning about the marine environment and sciences.

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