Museum of the Douro Imaginary (MIDU)

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viseu > Tabuaço > Tabuaço

Location

The Duriense Imagination Museum (MIDU) is located in the town of Tabuaço, in the heart of the eponymous municipality, within the Duriense region. It is situated in a central area of the town, on Rua Macedo Pinto. Its location allows visitors to enjoy a peaceful urban setting, where the building stands out for its historical presence and the surrounding garden, providing a serene environment within the town's context.

A Building with History and a Welcoming Garden

MIDU is housed in a 19th-century building that has witnessed various eras and functions. Originally designed as an agricultural school, the property adapted over time, hosting a boarding school and a public library before transforming into this cultural center. The building is surrounded by a remarkable garden. This green space, with its central fountain and symmetrically designed flowerbeds, offers an atmosphere of tranquility and beauty, and is considered one of the most charming spots in the town of Tabuaço.

The Heart of the Duriense Imagination

Inaugurated in January 2009, the central purpose of the Duriense Imagination Museum is to rescue and share the richness of the intangible heritage of the Douro region. It is a guardian of ancestral narratives, of the legends that shaped the local imagination, of popular traditions, and of the songbook that has crossed generations. The museum provides an immersion into the stories and beliefs that define the Duriense identity, revealing the strength of collective memory and the cultural heritage manifested in legends and customs.

Space for Culture and Innovation

In addition to preserving the past, MIDU also projects itself into the future, exploring the imagination and utopia of new generations. The museum supports research on the intangible heritage of Duriense, serving as a hub for specialized information. Through exhibitions and other forms of artistic expression, such as painting, sculpture, photography, and performances, it contributes to cultural dissemination. Its mission is to play an active role in the sociocultural development of the region, valuing intangible heritage and transforming it into a cultural resource for the population.

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