Whale Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Madeira > Machico > Caniçal > Barro

Location:

The Whale Museum is located in the village of Caniçal, situated in the municipality of Machico, in the eastern part of Madeira Island. Caniçal is traditionally a locality linked to fishing activities, with a strong historical relationship with the sea, and the museum is integrated into this coastal environment.

Whaling History

The history of whaling in the waters of Madeira, particularly during the 20th century, represents a significant period in the life and culture of the archipelago. The museum dedicates an important part of its collection and exhibitions to documenting this activity, showcasing the tools used, hunting techniques, the organization of coastal lookout posts, and the work in the old processing factories. It is an opportunity to learn about the courage and daily life of Madeiran whalers, who faced the ocean and these imposing mammals.

The exhibitions include notable pieces, such as original whaling boats (the rowboats used for hunting) and a collection of photographs that pay tribute to the men involved in this difficult task. The museum reconstructs environments and presents historical documents that illustrate the economic and social importance of this activity for the Caniçal region and for Madeira.

Science and Conservation

In addition to preserving the memory of the past, the museum plays an active role in marine life conservation. After the end of whaling in Madeira in 1981 and the declaration of the archipelago's waters as a sanctuary for marine mammals in 1986, the museum became a center for scientific research on cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and other aspects of the local marine ecosystem.

The institution promotes study and monitoring projects for these species, contributing to the knowledge and protection of Madeira's seas. This scientific and conservation aspect shows the transition from a relationship of exploitation to one of study and preservation of marine biodiversity, underlining the importance of protecting this natural heritage for future generations.

The Exhibition Experience

The museum offers an informative and engaging visitor experience. The exhibitions are organized to guide visitors through different themes, from the history of whaling to current knowledge about the cetaceans that inhabit Madeiran waters. It uses resources such as life-size models of various species of whales and dolphins, which are impressive in their scale.

Multimedia content is available, including stereoscopic 3D films, which allow for an immersion into the underwater world and didactically present the characteristics and behavior of these animals. The museum also includes a section dedicated to objects and references related to the famous novel "Moby Dick", including a harpoon used in the film adaptation which had scenes filmed with the support of Madeiran whalers, and examples of scrimshaw art (engravings on sperm whale bones).

Structure and Accessibility

The museum is housed in a modern building, inaugurated in 2011, designed with visitor comfort and accessibility in mind. Its interior structure is mostly developed with ramps, eliminating the need for stairs, which facilitates movement. It has adapted sanitary facilities and offers the possibility of wheelchair use, seeking to ensure that the space is accessible to everyone.

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