Quartz Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viseu > Viseu > Campo > Pascoal

Location

The Quartz Museum is located on Mount Santa Luzia, an elevation that is part of the Viseu landscape, in the area known as Pascoal, within the locality of Campo. Its location is particularly unique, as it was built inside an old quartz quarry. This crater, resulting from years of mineral exploration, offers visitors an unusual perspective on the subsoil, integrating the building into the very geology of the site.

Origin and Conception

The creation of the Quartz Museum stemmed from the desire to safeguard and share the vast geological heritage of the Viseu region. Conceived by the renowned geologist Professor Galopim de Carvalho, this project transformed an old mining operation, active between 1961 and 1986, into a cultural and scientific space. Inaugurated in 2012, the museum takes advantage of the natural configuration of the terrain, where the quarry itself became an integral part of its architecture, culminating in a remarkable “window into the Earth’s interior”.

The Interactive Experience

The Quartz Museum stands out as the only one in the world entirely dedicated to this mineral. Its spaces were designed as an interactive center, inviting visitors to an in-depth exploration of the region's geological and natural heritage. Through a didactic approach, it is possible to understand the mineralogical, geological, and economic relevance of quartz. The permanent exhibition is organized into various themes, revealing the multiple facets of this mineral. Furthermore, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and offers moments of scientific experimentation, enriching the visit with varied perspectives on mineralogy.

Heritage Value

Beyond a mere display of minerals, the Quartz Museum asserts itself as a defender of geological heritage, highlighting its importance as an essential component of natural heritage. The project aims not only at the valorization and preservation of quartz but also at raising awareness for environmental protection. The very structure of the museum, embedded within the crater of the old quarry, symbolizes a unique opportunity for direct contact with the geological formations that characterize the local landscape, allowing for a deep immersion into the world of mineralogy.

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