Agricultural Implement Museum Nucleus

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Évora > Estremoz > Estremoz > Zona Industrial de Estremoz

Location

The Agricultural Implement Museum Nucleus is located in the Estremoz Industrial Zone, an urban area that reflects the economic activity of the locality. The space occupies a pavilion situated next to the old EPAC Silos, an industrial landmark in Estremoz. This location places the nucleus within a more utilitarian environment, yet easily accessible within the city's urban fabric.

A Legacy of the Rural World

This museum nucleus houses one of the largest and most significant collections of agricultural implements in Portugal. Its collection, which includes over four thousand pieces, is a unique testament to the old rural world and the agricultural practices that shaped the region. Each instrument, from the simplest to the most complex, narrates the history of fieldwork and human ingenuity throughout the centuries.

The Collection in Depth

Given the vast dimension of the collection, the nucleus presents its pieces in a very particular way, known as "Visible Storage". This approach systematically organizes the objects by typologies, into clear categories and subcategories. Such an organization allows visitors to closely observe the differences between pieces with similar functions, thus understanding their technical and historical evolution. It is not about recreating agricultural environments, but rather an exhibition that invites a detailed study of the tools themselves, revealing the specifics of their design and use.

The Genesis of a Heritage

The creation of this nucleus is the result of a remarkable local preservation effort. It began with small exhibitions of implements at fairs, which quickly grew, culminating in a major exhibition in 1987 that became permanent due to the community's will. Much credit is due to the tireless collection work carried out by Crispim Vicente Serrano, who visited farmhouses in the region to safeguard these pieces. The value of this collection was recognized, having been granted the status of Manifest Cultural Interest, underlining its importance for the memory and identity of Alentejo.

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