Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Aldeia Rica
The Sebastião da Gama Museum is located in Aldeia Rica, a locality within the municipality of Setúbal. Situated on Rua de Lisboa, this cultural space offers a serene setting that captures the essence of the Setúbal region. Its placement in this area, close to the landscape that so inspired the poet, establishes a profound connection with Sebastião da Gama's work.
Inaugurated in 1999, the museum is dedicated to the memory and vast collection of Sebastião da Gama, a prominent figure in 20th-century Portuguese literature, known as the "Poet of Arrábida." The building that now houses this cultural space was formerly a fire station, carefully transformed to preserve and exhibit his legacy. At the entrance, an inscription evokes the poet's famous verse: "Pelo sonho é que vamos" (By dream we go), which invites visitors to discover his universe.
Born in Azeitão and having passed away prematurely, Sebastião da Gama dedicated a significant part of his poetry to the Serra da Arrábida, a landscape he inhabited and which was a crucial source of inspiration. Beyond his literary output, the museum celebrates his remarkable civic vision, evident in his defense of the Arrábida landscape, which led him to found the first environmental association in Portugal. His reflections on education, expressed in his "Diário" (Diary), reveal him as a pedagogue with innovative ideas for his time.
On the ground floor, the museum presents a carefully curated exhibition of Sebastião da Gama's belongings. This space allows for the viewing of a rich collection of photographs, personal objects, original manuscripts, and first editions of emblematic works such as "Diário," "Serra-Mãe," and "Campo Aberto." The organization of the collection provides an in-depth understanding of his writing, his academic journey, and his strong connection to his native land.
The upper floor complements the experience with a library, offering an environment conducive to consultation and further exploration of the poet's work. A multimedia kiosk allows visitors to interactively explore Sebastião da Gama's life and literary creations. A portion of the displayed collection is renewed annually, ensuring different perspectives with each visit.
The building housing the Sebastião da Gama Museum has recently undergone a modernization intervention. These works aimed to improve the overall comfort of the space, including thermal and acoustic conditions, and to optimize the natural lighting of the interiors. The renovation of the spaces and the introduction of new LED lighting contribute to a more welcoming and functional environment.
Additionally, significant improvements in accessibility have been made, notably a platform lift, to ensure the space is welcoming and functional for visitors with reduced mobility, preserving its essence as a distinctive cultural landmark in the Setúbal region.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.5197887,-9.0149844
Coordinates DMS: 38°31'11.2"N 09°00'53.9"W
Weather Aldeia Rica
On-duty Pharmacy Aldeia Rica
