Benfica Museum - Cosme Damião

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > São Domingos de Benfica

Location:

The Benfica Museum, Cosme Damião is located in the São Domingos de Benfica area, in the city of Lisbon. It is integrated into or near the complex where the Estádio da Luz (Stadium of Light) is located, in an environment that breathes the club's history.

Origin and Purpose:

This cultural space was named after Cosme Damião, a fundamental figure in the foundation and development of Sport Lisboa e Benfica. It was inaugurated in 2013, with the aim of preserving and disseminating the club's vast historical and cultural heritage, placing it within broader contexts.

Collections and Content:

The museum occupies a considerable area, distributed over three floors, with approximately 4000 square meters. Its collection is vast, presented in 29 distinct thematic areas. It includes a remarkable number of trophies won by the club's various sports, in addition to an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and audiovisual material that narrate Benfica's trajectory over time.

Approach and Experience:

A visit to the museum is designed to be engaging and interactive, utilizing modern technologies. There are touchscreens that invite visitors to explore details about players and memorable moments. One of the highlights is the hologram of Eusébio, a tribute to one of the club's greatest legends. There is also a space dedicated to the connection with fans, known as "Viagem ao Coração Benfiquista" (Journey to the Benfica Heart), which offers an immersive experience, simulating the vibrant stadium atmosphere through audiovisual means. At the top of the building, a dome presents a film that spans Benfica's centenary history.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The museum is not limited to sporting history. It seeks to contextualize the trajectory of Sport Lisboa e Benfica within relevant moments in the history of Lisbon, Portugal, and the world. The exhibition includes references to events such as the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake, the Carnation Revolution, and even global milestones like the Moon landing, showing how the club has accompanied and integrated itself into the evolution of society throughout time.

Recognition:

The quality and relevance of the Benfica Museum, Cosme Damião were recognized with the Portuguese Museum Award, awarded by the Portuguese Museology Association in 2014, highlighting its cultural value and the way it presents its collection.

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