Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Leiria > Leiria > Monte Redondo
The Monte Redondo Museum is located in the heart of the parish of the same name, in the municipality of Leiria. The surroundings are marked by a tranquil and rural atmosphere, with green areas and pine forests that provide a calm setting for the space. The museum is set in a wide and open area, with outdoor facilities and structures that invite informal exploration of the site.
In the vicinity, one can observe the harmony between the built environment and the natural landscape, with dirt paths, grassy areas, and a well-preserved village feel. The proximity to other community spaces and easy pedestrian access make the location accessible to different audiences.
Founded in 1981, the Casal de Monte Redondo Museum is managed by the Association for the Defense of the Cultural Heritage of Monte Redondo. It was created with the objective of preserving and disseminating the material and immaterial heritage of the region, based on a participatory collection from the local community.
The collection is predominantly ethnographic, consisting of everyday objects and tools related to activities such as agriculture, carpentry, weaving, resin tapping, shoemaking, and domestic work. This collection offers an intimate and authentic view of the traditional ways of life in the central region of Portugal, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries.
In addition to the main building, the museum features several outdoor elements that add interest to the visit. Notably, an 11-meter-high iron replica of the Eiffel Tower has become one of the most photographed spots on site. Despite its unexpected nature, this structure establishes a symbolic connection between rurality and the global urban imagination.
In the immediate surroundings, there are also other elements with symbolic and heritage value, such as the Memorial of Casal de Monte Redondo, an old band saw, and a traditional olive press. These structures reinforce the museum's connection to local history and function as a natural extension of the exhibition.
The indoor exhibition space is organized functionally, with thematic rooms where objects are presented according to their context of use. The scenography is simple and practical, allowing for an accessible interpretation of the content. Emphasis is placed on agricultural instruments and domestic utensils, but also on cultural expressions such as popular festivals, religiosity, and customs associated with community life.
Complementing the exhibition rooms, the museum has a small library and a technical reserve, which support research and the preservation of the collection. The connection with educational institutions, including universities, reflects a continuous effort to value local heritage.
The museum's atmosphere is simple, with a very strong community component. The sense of authenticity and the contact with everyday rural objects generate empathy and recognition, especially for those with roots or memories connected to the Portuguese rural environment.
The replica of the Eiffel Tower, due to its scale and unexpected location, creates a visual contrast that sparks curiosity and invites photography. It is common for visitors to freely explore the outdoor space, even when the museum is closed, which demonstrates the affectionate appropriation of the site by the community and those who pass by.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.894431116093045,-8.827463643351072
Coordinates DMS: 39°53'40.0"N 08°49'38.9"W
Weather Monte Redondo
On-duty Pharmacy Monte Redondo
