Casa da Memória, Guimarães
The Casa da Memória is a short walk from both the Centro Internacional das Artes José de Guimarães and the Museu Arqueológico da Sociedade Martins Sarmento in Guimarães.
The modern Casa da Memória is located outside the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic old town.
History
The museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Guimarães and its surrounding area from times past to the present day.
The space (House of Memory) attempts to recreate a set of memories for citizens to understand the geographical and historical processes that created a set of memories shared by the community at large.
The museum is located in a former Plastics Factory (Fábrica de Plásticos Pátria). Inside the museum visitors can see some of the products made at the factory: combs, hair pins, head bands, toys, etc.
The former industrial site was converted in 2012 to the museum we see today by the architects Miguel Guedes and Carlos Melo Dias. This was part of the Guimarães European City of Culture 2012 project.
Exhibits
The museum is divided into several sections including maps of Guimarães, Guimarães represented in documentation, utopia (a study of plans to transform the city that were never realized), curiosities, objects in memory, historical biographies and memories and testimonies.
The information is presented through scale models, wall panels, interactive video and cabinet displays of everyday objects that have shaped the lives of the people of Guimarães.
There are displays of archaeological finds, local festival costumes, clothing, the local football team's jerseys, posters, toys, weapons even.
Visitors can also watch early Portuguese movies, documentaries and TV programmes, as well as short films by local directors.
Casa da Memória, GuimarãesAccess
Av. Conde Margaride, 536
4835-073 Guimarães
Tel: 351 253 424 716
www.casadamemoria.pt
Admission: 3 Euro fee with concessions for students and people over 65 years of age; the Centro Internacional das Artes José de Guimarães can also be entered using the Guimarães Pass (15 Euros or 18 Euros with the Teleférico).
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 1 pm; 2 pm to 7 pm (last entry 6.30 pm).
Nearby
The museum is close to the Museu Arqueológico da Sociedade Martins Sarmento, Toural Square and the Centro Internacional das Artes José de Guimarães. Guimarães soccer stadium is also close by.
Hotels in Guimarães include the four star Santa Luzia ArtHotel, the four star EMAJ Boutique Hotel and the Hotel da Oliveira, also four star.
Other places to stay in the city include the four star Hotel de Guimarães and the pleasant Stay Hotel Guimarães Centro, adjacent to the railway station. The budget HI Hostel Guimarães - Pousada de Juventude is a cheaper option.
