A biodiversidade marinha nos museus de Portugal continental: uma introdução

Abstract

The role of museums in representing the uses of ethnographic maritime patrimony, or of the scientific heritage, is articulated with the evolution of the concepts of mediation, cultural and scientific literacy. This article intends to adopt this perspective in approaching the history of museums in Portugal Continental, which are associated with marine biodiversity. We define five typologies main museums: Natural History Museums; Historical Aquariums; Maritime Ethnographic Museums; Modern Aquariums and Science Centers. We representative examples of each of these categories, we contextualize their origin, the main events throughout its history and its relation with other institutions linked to maritime heritage. We also note that these museums date back to the end of the 18th century, but that in the last two decades new protagonists, such as science centers and modern aquariums. Furthermore, also ethnographic museums today address marine biodiversity, a sign of a progressive interdisciplinary approach and a debate on the natural and associated with the oceans.