Cultural Heritage
The intention to create a National Museum of Ethnology came after an exhibition in 1959, which showcased the result of several research works carried out in Mozambique by the Centre of Ethnology Studies.
The museum space was created in 1965 with the aim of representing cultures around the globe, therefore not only restricted to Portugal and the overseas dominions (which were still under its administration).
The building where the National Museum of Ethnology is currently housed was designed by architect António Saragga Seabra, and inaugurated in 1976.
Later, the building was enlarged, and several other support areas were created: library / media library, two exhibition areas (where the the Rural Life and Amazon galleries were opened in 2000 and 2006, respectively) and the surrounding garden.
The museum has seven rotating exhibitions: the Bali shadow theatre; the southwestern Angola dolls; the Cabinda pot lids with sayings; the Mali masks and puppets; the popular Portuguese musical instruments; the Rio de Onor splints (dedicated to an object) and the Franklim sculpture (dedicated to an author).
The National Museum of Ethnology is an original museum that aims at diversity instead of a permanent exhibition. It has four venues where events can be held, namely an auditorium, two seminar rooms and an interior garden, suitable for outdoor activities or cocktails.
