Agricultural Museological Nucleus

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Santarém > Benavente > Benavente

Location:

The Agricultural Museum Centre is located in the town of Benavente, in the municipality of Benavente. It is situated in an area further away from the urban centre, standing out for its singular presence. This cultural space occupies the premises of the old Municipal Slaughterhouse, a historic building constructed at the end of the 19th century, around 1890.

The building's architecture is particularly interesting, with façades displaying decorative elements such as lambrequins and a gate leading to a courtyard, which subtly conceal its original function. Its peripheral location provides a unique setting, where the town's industrial history meets its rural identity.

Benavente's Rural Heritage:

Inaugurated in 2000, this museum centre was designed to safeguard and disseminate Benavente's rich agricultural history and identity. It presents itself as a territorial museum, featuring a long-term exhibition titled "The Agricultural Calendar", which invites visitors on a journey through rural life and the production cycles that shaped the region.

The museum's collection is diverse, including traditional agricultural tools, typical costumes, old photographs, ceramic pieces, and objects related to crafts that defined local life since the late 19th century. These elements allow for an understanding of the practices and daily lives of the communities, revealing the deep connections between the land and its inhabitants.

A Hub of Art and Knowledge:

Beyond its historical vocation, the Agricultural Museum Centre is also a dynamic space for cultural promotion. It integrates two environments dedicated to artistic development: Espaço Arriscart and Espaço Gravurar. In these locations, various artistic activities are promoted, encouraging creativity, imagination, and experimentation, from an active learning perspective.

The space also hosts a plastic artist in residence, whose work frequently draws inspiration from the relationship with nature and cultural heritage. The museum features galleries that present both short-term exhibitions and works resulting from this artistic residency, enriching the visitor's experience with a contemporary and interactive dimension.

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