Centro de Artes e de Ciências do Mar
Museum space in the former SIBIL whaling factory in Lajes do Pico, with original industrial equipment and exhibitions on large cetaceans.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Centro de Artes e de Ciências do Mar occupies the former SIBIL whale factory in Lajes do Pico, on the island of Pico. The industrial plant processed sperm whales and other large cetaceans into oils and meal, and operated from 1955 until the early 1980s, when whaling ended in the Azores.
The building was restored by the Municipality of Lajes do Pico between 2005 and 2007 and began operating as a museum and cultural space. The equipment is municipal property and is run by CULTURPICO, Empresa Municipal. A second phase was planned, with a marine science nucleus devoted to applied research, with the participation of the University of the Azores.
The centre keeps the factory's industrial equipment on permanent display and presents multimedia exhibitions on the factory's activity and on the biology and ecology of large cetaceans. It also hosts artistic and cultural events and educational activities, and has a shop, a bar and an outdoor leisure area.
Highlights
- Original industrial equipment of the SIBIL whaling factory (1955 to the early 1980s)
- Multimedia exhibition on the biology and ecology of large cetaceans
- Memory of Azorean whaling culture
- Shop, bar and outdoor leisure area
Permanent exhibitions
- Equipamento industrial da fábrica baleeira SIBIL – Original machines and installations of the factory where large cetaceans were processed into oils and meal between 1955 and the early 1980s.
- Gigantes do Mar – Multimedia exhibition on the biology and ecology of large cetaceans.
- Operated by
- Município das Lajes do Pico (gestão: CULTURPICO, Empresa Municipal)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.25Young people aged 12 to 18 and seniors (65 or over). |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 12 · Free admission up to age 12. |
| Seniors | €1.25From age 65. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €1.25 per personOrganised groups. |
Authorised school study visits: free admission.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 12 |
|---|
Free admission for children up to age 12.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Easy access to outdoor parking.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Bar and shop in the centre, with bookshop, local crafts and regional products; outdoor leisure area.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The centre runs educational activities and hosts artistic and cultural events. |
