Museum of Portuguese Mineral Deposits

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Matosinhos > Senhora da Hora > Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia

Location

The Museum of Portuguese Mineral Deposits is strategically located in the town of Senhora da Hora, in the municipality of Matosinhos, within the district of Porto. Its placement within the facilities of the National Laboratory of Energy and Geology (LNEG) gives it a unique setting, characterized by a calmer environment, away from the usual urban hustle and bustle, yet remaining easily accessible. This positioning on a campus dedicated to research and science provides a conducive context for contemplation and study, in harmony with the didactic and discovery-oriented nature that the museum itself offers.

The National Mineralogical Wealth

Entirely dedicated to the mineralogical wealth of Portugal, this museum houses a vast and remarkable collection of samples representing the most significant mineral deposits found in the national territory. The collection includes an impressive diversity of minerals and rocks, carefully selected to illustrate the complexity and beauty of Portuguese geology. Each exhibited piece serves as a testament to the extraordinary variety of geological formations that characterize the country, from its most remote origins to its most contemporary manifestations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Lusitanian subsoil.

A Legacy of Knowledge and Preservation

The Museum of Portuguese Mineral Deposits constitutes a center of excellence for the in-depth understanding of Portugal's geodiversity. Its mission is centered on the preservation, study, and dissemination of the country's geological heritage, establishing itself as an essential pedagogical tool for the general public and, in particular, for students and researchers in the geosciences. The way the collections are presented seeks to unveil the formation processes of minerals and their intrinsic historical and economic importance, actively contributing to greater scientific literacy and the appreciation of national geological knowledge.

The Heritage of the Portuguese Subsoil

By exploring the museum's exhibitions, visitors are invited on a captivating journey through Portugal's subsoil, discovering the invaluable mineral heritage that has largely shaped the country's development over the centuries. It is possible to observe the importance of certain minerals in industry, technology, and even art, tracing a path that reveals how the soil's natural resources have been and continue to be a fundamental pillar of Portuguese identity and economy. The museum provides a unique perspective on the dynamic interaction between nature, society, and human progress throughout history.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senhora_da_Hora

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