Here stands A Ciência, a stone sculpture of a majestic woman. This work by Raul Xavier was created in 1945. It stands as a symbol of knowledge itself.
Have you ever wondered about the story behind A Ciência Sculpture? It is more than just a beautiful piece of art. It represents Portugal’s deep connection to discovery and learning. The sculpture connects the past with the present.
The Pavilion of Knowledge is not far from here. It is an interactive science museum which opened in 1999. Its goal is to make science fun and interesting for everyone. Think of it as a place where curiosity meets discovery.
The Pavilion of Knowledge was originally built for the 1998 Lisbon World Exposition. It was known as the Knowledge of the Seas Pavilion. Architect João Luís Carrilho da Graça designed the building. His design won the Grand Jury Prize at the 1999 FAD awards in Barcelona.
Carrilho da Graça described his design as megalithic. It combines vertical and horizontal structures. The design signifies permanence. This concept has always been basic to architecture.
Close by, the Monument to the Discoveries commemorates Prince Henry the Navigator. He discovered the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde. The monument is 52 meters tall. It was inaugurated in 1960.
The Monument to the Discoveries resembles the prow of a caravel. This was a type of ship used by the Portuguese explorers. The monument features sculptures of important figures. These figures played key roles in Portugal’s discoveries.
You can visit the observation deck on top of the Monument to the Discoveries. An elevator takes you to the top. From there, you can see a marble mosaic at the foot of the monument. It represents a compass with a world map in the center. Cristino da Silva designed the compass. The Republic of South Africa gifted it to Portugal.
Other notable figures are represented on the monument. These include Fernão de Magalhães and Luís de Camões. Pedro Álvares Cabral and Vasco da Gama are also featured. These 32 figures represent those linked to the Age of Discoveries.
The original Discoveries Monument was built in 1940. It was part of the Portuguese World Exhibition. Continelli Telmo designed it. It was made of perishable materials. It was dismantled in 1943. The current monument is a replica. It is built with stone and concrete. The statues are sculpted in limestone.
A Ciência stands as a reminder of the importance of knowledge. This sculpture creates a link between art, science, and history.