Arronches Museum of (A) Playing

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Portalegre > Arronches > Arronches > Assunção

Location

The Arronches Museum of (A) Play is located in the town of Arronches, in the heart of the Alentejo. More specifically, it is situated in the Assunção area, in the place known as Largo Serpa Pinto. Its location is particularly relevant, as the museum is housed in a structure of historical value, once an integral part of the old castle that marked the town's landscape.

The Collection of Old Toys

This museum is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of old toys, offering a glimpse into the games and amusements of past generations. Its carefully assembled collection comes largely from the Alto Alentejo region, reflecting the creativity and materials available at the time. Visitors can observe unique pieces, such as traditional rag balls, miniatures molded with local Arronches clay, and artisanal objects crafted from acorns, each telling a story of childhoods lived in the region.

Memories of the Rural School

In addition to the captivating toy collection, the museum reserves a special space dedicated to recreating a past classroom. This section offers a journey back in time, presenting an environment that evokes a mid-20th century school. The detail in the reconstruction allows visitors to understand the characteristics and daily life of education during that period, providing a unique perspective on the history of education in Portugal.

In the Heart of Alentejo's Past

Inaugurated in June 2002, the Arronches Museum of (A) Play is not just an exhibition space, but also a guardian of Alentejo's memory and cultural identity. Its installation in a building that once belonged to Arronches Castle lends it an atmosphere of historical depth, linking material and intangible heritage. This space is a testament to the simplicity and ingenuity that characterized play in bygone days, celebrating a genuine part of the region's cultural heritage.

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