Museum dos Naufragos

A JOURNEY IN THE HISTORY OF CAPE VERDE IN THE HEART OF BOAVISTA

The Museum dos Naufragos houses collections of cultural anthropology, works of art and underwater archaeological finds. The museum is located in the heart of the town of Sal Rei, among its typical houses. Unusual in its structure, the building is entirely built in white limestone and volcanic rock and fitted out with materials found on the island, with particular attention to the recycling of materials.

The adventure begins with a series of stairs that will take us to the surface, where we will learn the history of Cape Verde and its culture. An ascending path that represents the soul that explores the past and the future.

On another level, we are in an environment where we can taste typical local products and, in addition, a presentation of legends and fairy tales that tell the ancient history and the time spent on these mysterious islands, lost in the Atlantic Ocean.

Finally, at the highest levels, we can appreciate beautiful works of contemporary art by local and international artists who continue to narrate the profound value of these beautiful lands with the use of colours and the universal language of art.

HOURS: Open every day from 9.15 to 12.30. Closed on Sunday and Tuesday.
ENTRANCE: € 7

The permanent exhibition addresses three main themes through a variety of approaches: the history and culture of the Cape Verde Islands, the universal language of art, the path of a “castaway” to safety.

The story is told from the point of view of a “castaway” lost in the sea of life; the metaphor of the shipwreck refers to the condition of the man who, like Jonas, Ulysses and Robinson Crusoe, embarks on a journey on the open sea, far from home and from what is right, in search of knowledge.

The museum fulfils the dual task of preserving the history, culture and diversity of the past and providing a place for an open debate about the future and a better understanding of what it means to be human beyond mere ethnicity.