Zoological specimens exposed to the public in Milan, in 1906. (1906)Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
"Taxidermy" means "shaping the skin", a technique that preserves the animal's skin for study or exhibition, often used in "curiosity cabinets".
These cabinets, which appeared in the 16th and 17th centuries, are the ancestors of natural history museums.
Taxidermy laboratory at Palácio das Necessidades with a specimen from the collection of D. Carlos I. (1904) by Afonso ChavesAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Natural history collections are the result of the patience and devotion of their collectors.
D. Carlos I Oceanographic Museum Collection, donated to Vasco da Gama Aquarium by its heirs in 1935, includes zoological specimens preserved in liquid and dry preserved specimens.
Vasco da Gama Aquarium, Display cabinet with embalmed fish and birds. (1928)Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Master and young taxidermist during the assembly of a naturalized animal. by Aldina InácioAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
With the management of collections donations, a natural history museum naturally arose at the Vasco da Gama Aquarium.
The creation of a taxidermy laboratory, the training of young taxidermists and the production of numerous specimens had its heyday in the 1980´s.
Reproduction in the taxidermy laboratory of Vasco da Gama Aquarium. by Aldina InácioAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The discovery of new materials, such as fiberglass, made it possible to apply new techniques, such as dermoplasty.
This way it is possible to produce faithful replicas of animals caught or stranded on the beaches.
Painting of the Isurus oxyrinchus replica at Vasco da Gama Aquarium by artist Vitor Lage. (1993) by Aldina InácioAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Noble Hall. Polysticta stelleri close-up. Detail from the exhibition “In the beginning was the curiosity ”. (2019-01) by José VicenteAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Dioramas are artistic representations of the natural behavior of animals that emerged in the 19th century and became popular in the 20th century.
To recreate a scene in nature, the taxidermist must master the anatomy and behavior of the animal species to be mounted.
Sketch of the otter ́s diorama created for the New Room at Vasco da Gama Aquarium. by Afonso Henriques Araújo Silva.Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The dioramas at Vasco da Gama Aquarium, as far as we know, are the only ones of their kind in our country.
The background is painted on an illuminated curved canvas, in order to create an illusion of depth and movement that activates our imagination and transports us into the scene.
New Room. Diorama and introduction panel from the exhibition “When art meets science” with visitor. (2019-03) by José VicenteAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Like a small theater, the diorama tells us a visual story that cannot be replaced by words.
More than just observing the naturalized specimens behind the glass showcases, here the invitation is to enter these natural landscapes for a brief moment.
Shark parts in the Taxidermy Laboratory reserves. (2022) by Paula MachazAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Recently, the Taxidermy Laboratory was remodeled in order to accommodate Vasco da Gama Aquarium museum collections.
In this collection stand out the rare marine specimens of D. Carlos I, collected in his oceanographic campaigns initiated at the end of the 19th century.
Marine mammals skulls in the reserves of the Taxidermy Laboratory. (2022) by Maria PittaAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The Aquarium's museum collections have attracted researchers and scholars from many areas of knowledge over the years. Following the Taxidermy Laboratory modernization, opportunities for collaboration with national and international researchers are expanded
Restoration of the Pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps as part of a collaboration with MUHNAC. (2018) by Diana QuintelaAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
We live in a time that privileges both immediacy and loose information, yet the value of our collections lies in the time they retain.
A time that connects the stories of people from different places and different periods dedicated to the care and attention to the natural world.
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