Estremoz Figurative Clay Modelling Interpretative Centre

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Évora > Estremoz > Estremoz > Santo André

Location

The Estremoz Clay Figurine Interpretive Centre is housed in the historic Palace of the Marquises of Praia and Monforte. Located in the Santo André area of Estremoz, its location harmoniously integrates it into the town's urban fabric, making it an easily accessible point for those exploring the village.

A Classified Heritage

This centre celebrates the Estremoz Clay Figurine, a popular art with over three hundred years of history. The mastery in manually modelling figures in baked and polychrome clay led to its recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2017. This classification underscores the importance and uniqueness of this Alentejo tradition.

The Heart of the Exhibition

The design of the Interpretive Centre aims to project the present and future of the Estremoz Clay Figurine, keeping alive the flame of a multisecular practice. The permanent exhibition was conceived to be dynamic, allowing for constant renewal of content and approaches. In this space, the producers, the artisans who bring the figures to life, are the true protagonists, with their work and dedication duly valued.

The Experience of Creation

One of the centre's most interesting proposals is the opportunity for visitors, individually, to experience the art of moulding clay. This practical aspect allows for a deeper understanding of the technique and skill required to create an Estremoz Clay Figurine, offering direct contact with the specificity of a tradition that is now a World Heritage.

The Educational Pillar

The ground floor of the Interpretive Centre is entirely dedicated to the educational area. This commitment to training and knowledge transfer about Estremoz clay figurines reflects a continuous concern with the perpetuation of this art. The space helps both new generations and interested individuals in general to delve into the roots and creative process of this unique artisanal expression.

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