Ethnographic Museum of Silgueiros

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viseu > Viseu > Silgueiros > Lugar do Paço

Location

The Ethnographic Museum of Silgueiros is located in the village of Silgueiros, an integral part of the municipality of Viseu. It is specifically found in the area known as Lugar do Paço. This location allows visitors to approach a more rustic and traditional environment, in contrast to the urban dynamics of the city of Viseu, offering an authentic perspective on the local landscape and way of life.

A Living Memory

The Ethnographic Museum of Silgueiros originated from a project that began in 1978, through the gradual collection of various objects. Over more than three decades of dedication to its mission, this space has transformed into a valuable guardian of the memory of the Portuguese people, with a particular focus on the Viseu region. More than just an exhibition space, the museum seeks to be a testament to the daily lives, feelings, and experiences of communities, revealing the way of being, feeling, and acting of past generations. Each piece is carefully preserved, recognizing its intrinsic value for understanding our collective history.

A Treasure Trove of Objects

The museum's collection is vast, with thousands of pieces illustrating the most diverse aspects of traditional life. One of the most notable collections focuses on clothing, covering daily wear and festive attire, both indoor and outdoor, complemented by an impressive variety of accessories such as gloves, parasols, bags, scarves, and different types of glasses and buttons. Furthermore, the museum explores the flax cycle, from planting to spinning and weaving, and recreates work environments such as the traditional barbershop and the dressing table. Other thematic sections cover household utensils, agricultural tools, popular musical instruments, children's toys, religiosity, bread and wine production, and even elements related to tobacco and photography, offering a comprehensive look at the past.

For Deeper Knowledge

In addition to its exhibitions, the Ethnographic Museum of Silgueiros provides a valuable resource center for those wishing to deepen their knowledge of local culture and history. It houses a specialized library, which holds thousands of titles dedicated to cultural anthropology, as well as dozens of thematic dossiers created from relevant press clippings. This material is complemented by a vast photographic archive, with thousands of images documenting the people and traditions of the region, enriching the experience of those seeking to understand the identity and legacy of Silgueiros and the municipality of Viseu.

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