Museum Overview:
Santos - Sao Vicente, SP
Portuguese 'new world' explorers first landed (1501) establishing small settlements that would grow into villages. once administrative features were consistent & officials designated, a new village had to erect a chapel, mayor's residence & a jail before petitioning the crown to become a named/recorded city. once accepted the new city could receive protection & support services from units of the portuguese army. of course a system of taxation and portuguese law would be enforced.
port of santos museum
the Port of Santos Museum has the purpose of telling the story of the largest port in Latin America. The collection has more than 10,000 items and records of events in the port organized since 1890 to this day. the building itself translates to the new forms of housing introduced in the early 1900's. this when a period of urban renewal caused the wealthiest families to abandon older homes & build mansions in new neighborhoods created by santos' new canal system (1902). The museum collection includes physical items such as furniture, specialized tools, nautical equipment, documents, instruments, photographs, molds, locomotives and boats and more.
“SESC GALLERY: The multi-faceted Santos SESC Center (Social Service of Commerce) is a project of private companies to provide support & activities for the cultural, recreational & social well-being of workers in the area. Most Brasil cities have one or several SESC center facilities. A broad schedule will offer cultural arts, education, recreational sports & fitness programs with training for all ages for community innovation and social transformation.”
santos maritime museum + sea museum + santos city Aquarium
the Maritime Museum (Museu Marítimo) exhibits a main collection of Brasil Maritime-naval History. displayed are actual materials, maps & equipment from shipping activity. some objects were rescued from shipwrecks. historical maps, master paintings by Carlos Alfredo Hablitzel depict maritime-naval activity, vessel models with archaeological and sailing curiosities. bibliographical archives are available. across the street at sea museum (Museu do mar). it’s one of the largest collections of marine biology in Latin America. the Municipal Aquarium Santos (1945) is a Popular attraction across from a major santos beach. it features a variety of freshwater & ocean species plus penguins and a ‘touch tank’.
Historical & Geographical Institute of São Vicente
the institute is housed in the former residence (1890) of Baron Kurt Von Pritzelwitz who served as manager of the Theodor Wille coffee export firm., the property became home to the Institute in 1972. Throughout the 14 rooms of Casa da Barão all 26 Brazilian states are represented, with art maps, handicrafts, fauna and objects involving archaeology, economic lifestyle, geographic & historical significance. some of the rare items, such as the 16th century crucifix , countless samples of Brazilian stones, fossils and pieces by Master Vitalino, as well as a valuable numismatic collection are in the Museum’s collection .
“The Artist-Painter Benedito Calixto (1853-1927) built a palatial residence across from the beach in Santos. The white residence is a living museum featuring private possessions of the artist alongside his artworks. There are exhibits by Contemporary Artists at the museum whose grounds hosts a sculpture garden & cafe. Calixto secured benefactors as Sao Paulo & Santos thrived in late 19th - early 20th centuries. He chronicles the region’s transformation, agrarian to bustling harbor culture. He depicts ambitious lifestyles as Brasil emerges into a leading nation.”