Museu Fábrica da História – Arroz
Museum in the former rice-husking factory “Hidro-Eléctrica” in Estarreja, on rice culture in the Baixo Vouga Lagunar and industrial heritage.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museu Fábrica da História – Arroz (Factory of History – Rice Museum) occupies the rehabilitated building of the former “Hidro-Eléctrica” of Estarreja, a rice-husking factory founded in 1922 by Carlos Marques Rodrigues (1882–1976), next to the railway line. The industrial controls of the Estado Novo dictatorship forced it to stop in 1939; it resumed production in 1950 under the brand “Carlos Marques Rodrigues & filhos” (& Sons), and closed for good at the end of the 1980s.
The rehabilitation of the building, part of the urban regeneration of this area of the town, cost about €1.2 million, with European funding. The museum opened to the public in September 2024 and its mission is to enhance the tangible and intangible heritage of rice culture, as well as industrial heritage.
The museum tells the story of the Ria and the Baixo Vouga Lagunar, where in the 19th century waterlogged land was converted into rice fields, and of the people who lived from this culture; the municipality of Estarreja is today the only one in the region that still produces rice. It also carries out research, education and communication work, including a creative learning laboratory.
Highlights
- Rehabilitated building of the former rice-husking factory “Hidro-Eléctrica” (1922)
- History of rice culture in the Baixo Vouga Lagunar
- Industrial heritage: husking, bleaching and polishing machinery
- Creative learning laboratory and educational programme
Permanent exhibition
- Exposição permanente – Route through the building of the former rice-husking factory on the history, identity and people of rice culture in Estarreja.
- Founded
- 2024
- Operated by
- Município de Estarreja
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Seniors (65 or over) and young people aged 6 to 29 |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 5 · Ages 6 to 29: €3. |
| Seniors | €3From 65 years of age. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and a companion. |
| Students & apprentices | –Higher education students of History, Heritage, Museology and Medicine enter free. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €2.50 per personGroups of more than 10 people; school groups and study visits pay €1 per child, with accompanying teachers admitted free. |
| Families | €12.50Two adults with two children or young people up to 18. |
| Large family (2 adults and 4 to 5 children or young people up to 18) | €16 |
| Museums pass with the Casa-Museu Egas Moniz and the Quinta do Marinheiro (standard) | €6 |
| Museums pass with the Casa-Museu Egas Moniz and the Quinta do Marinheiro (senior or young person up to 29) | €5 |
Free admission also for users of the IPSS in the municipality, teachers and pupils from municipal schools on study visits, former servicemen, members of APOM, ICOM, the Rede Portuguesa de Museus and APCM, and employees of the Câmara Municipal. Tickets can be bought at the ticket office or online.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Parking for people with reduced mobility, lift, access ramps, adapted toilet, adapted reception and wide circulation spaces.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €12.50 · Two adults with two children or young people up to 18. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Baby changing facilities
The museum has a baby-changing table and an educational programme for schools and families.
Getting there & parking
By car
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Study visits and school group visits have their own rate; the museum has a Creative Learning Laboratory. |
