Museu da Luz
Museum in the village of Aldeia da Luz, in Mourão, interpreting the changes to the territory caused by the Alqueva dam and the submersion of the old village.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museu da Luz is located in the village of Aldeia da Luz, in the municipality of Mourão, between the settlement and the shore of the Alqueva lake. It is the interpretive space for the profound changes that took place in this territory with the construction of the dam and the submersion of the former village. The award-winning schist building stands out for its architecture and its integration into the landscape.
The idea of a museum emerged in the 1980s, within the framework of compensatory measures for the impacts of the Alqueva project and the relocation of the village. It opened to the public in 2003 and has operated regularly since then. In 2005 it received an honourable mention from the Associação Portuguesa de Museologia in the category of best museum in the country, and in May 2010 it joined the Rede Portuguesa de Museus. It falls under the responsibility of EDIA, S.A.
The permanent exhibition “Luz” was opened on 29 June 2017 and renewed in 2022. The museum has archaeological and ethnographic collections, a documentation centre with photographic and audiovisual archives, a programme of temporary exhibitions, residencies and educational activities. It also has a shop and a café.
Highlights
- Award-winning schist building, integrated into the landscape of the Alqueva lake
- Permanent exhibition “Luz”, renewed in 2022
- Archaeological and ethnographic collections and photographic and audiovisual archives
- Memory of the former village of Aldeia da Luz, submerged by the Alqueva dam
Permanent exhibition
- Luz – Permanent exhibition opened on 29 June 2017 and renewed in 2022, on the identity and history of Luz.
- Founded
- 2003
- Operated by
- EDIA, S.A.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €150% discount for family tickets (2 adults and 2 or more children aged 15 to 25), groups (minimum 10 adults), students and young people aged 15 to 25, pensioners and people over 65, teachers and students on study visits, and Cartão Jovem holders. |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 11 · Free admission for children under 12. |
| Seniors | €1Pensioners and people over 65. |
| Students & apprentices | €1Students and young people aged 15 to 25. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €1 per person50% discount for groups of at least 10 adults. |
| Families | –50% discount for 2 adults with 2 or more children aged 15 to 25. |
Free admission: Free admission on Sundays and public holidays until 13:00.
Free admission also for unemployed people, residents of the municipality of Mourão and members of APOM and ICOM.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- 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
The entrance and exhibition rooms are accessible to visitors using wheelchairs or with reduced mobility; there is an adapted toilet.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Trains to Évora, express coaches between Lisbon and Mourão, and regular buses between Luz and Évora.
By car
Parking available
Parking in the museum's square. From Évora, head towards Reguengos de Monsaraz, Mourão and Luz (about 65 km); from the Alqueva dam, head towards Moura and Póvoa de São Miguel (about 40 km).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Shop with merchandise and publications, and café.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The museum organises visits and workshops for schools and for the general public. |
