Fisherman's Museum

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Museum

District: Setúbal > Montijo > Montijo > Bairro dos Pescadores

Location

Located in Montijo, the Fisherman's Museum is situated in the heart of the area traditionally linked to fishing activity, the Fishermen's Quarter (Bairro dos Pescadores). It is in this zone, with its own distinct identity, that the museum is integrated.

The museum currently occupies the premises of the old Conde Ferreira School, a building that was adapted to house the collection and offer better visiting conditions.

Memory of the Fishing Community

The main objective of this museological space is to be a reflection of the local fishing community. It is a place where fishermen and their families can see themselves represented and where their history is preserved.

The museum was born from within the community itself, through the Aldegalense Fishing Union Cooperative Society (SCUPA), establishing itself as an important symbol of the identity, culture, and customs associated with fishing in the region.

The Collection on Display

The collection of the Fisherman's Museum gathers approximately 80 pieces that document life and activities related to the river. The collection is diverse and allows for an understanding of different aspects of this way of life.

The collection is organized into thematic sections, covering the history and operation of SCUPA itself, the methods, arts, and instruments used in the toil, the fishing activity itself –, tasks and professions complementary to fishing, and also elements related to the fishermen themselves and their religiosity.

A New Home for the Collection

Although the museum has existed since 1988, it was in June 2014 that it moved to its current location. Previously, the original space at SCUPA's headquarters presented some limitations.

The move to the old Conde Ferreira School allowed for overcoming accessibility and physical space challenges, enabling better organization and presentation of the exhibition, thus valorizing the cultural heritage linked to fishing.