Metallurgical Duarte Ferreira Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Santarém > Abrantes > Tramagal > Zona Industrial do Tramagal

Location

The Duarte Ferreira Metallurgical Museum is located in the village of Tramagal, in the municipality of Abrantes. It is specifically situated in the old Industrial Zone, an area that was once the epicentre of the activities of the large factory. The building that houses the museum was, in fact, the old main office of Metalúrgica, which gives the place an authenticity and a direct link to the history explored there. Its proximity to the old railway line underlines the strategic relevance the factory held for its development and logistics.

A History of Pioneering

This museum invites visitors to immerse themselves in the remarkable trajectory of one of the most significant Portuguese industries of the 20th century. Inaugurated on May 1, 2017, this museological space is the result of a joint effort by the community, which shared its memories and collection, allowing for the rediscovery and valorisation of a unique industrial heritage.

At the Duarte Ferreira Metallurgical Museum, it is possible to learn about the life of Eduardo Duarte Ferreira, a blacksmith who, at the end of the 19th century, founded "A Forja" (The Forge), the embryo of a colossal industrial complex. His vision and innovation revolutionised the metallurgical sector in Portugal, creating a company that, unusually for the time, was not born from large fortunes or external investment, but from pure ingenuity and local perseverance. Between 1920 and 1940, the factory became the largest foundry in the country, producing a wide range of equipment, from agricultural machinery to material for civil construction and the naval industry.

The Heart of the Community

Beyond industrial production, Metalúrgica Duarte Ferreira distinguished itself by its social responsibility, unprecedented for the period. The company was a driving force in the community development of Tramagal, going far beyond the factory walls. It ensured the well-being of thousands of workers and their families, providing access to health, education, culture, sport, and housing, and was a pioneer in the creation of the country's first Provident Fund.

A particularly notable aspect is the fact that its workers enjoyed the freedom to celebrate May 1st since 1901, even during the Estado Novo, demonstrating a progressive social stance. The museum illustrates the deep connection between the life of Tramagal village and the history of Metalúrgica, as many of the local cultural and social institutions were directly promoted by the company.

The Legacy on Display

The exhibition route inside the museum guides the visitor through the various phases and most striking aspects of Metalúrgica Duarte Ferreira. One can observe the technological and productive evolution of the company, from its humble origins and the first metallic ploughs, to the manufacture of heavy vehicles, such as the iconic Berliet trucks, which played a significant role in historical contexts.

The museum space uses visual and sound elements to recreate the factory environment, complemented by a rich collection of historical photographs, documents, and a diversity of objects, including company diplomas and examples of produced pieces. One of the most distinctive symbols is the butterfly, a brand image patented in 1917, which not only attested to the quality of the products but also symbolised the company's connection to the rural environment. The museum also addresses the challenges faced by the factory in its last decades, providing a comprehensive understanding of its impact and its outcome, and how its legacy continues to shape the identity of Tramagal.

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