Vila do Bispo Museum: A Celebration of Local Heritage Recognised at APOM Awards
The Vila do Bispo Museum, known as the Celeiro da História (Barn of History), has recently been honoured with the national award for “Educational and Cultural Mediation Project” by the Portuguese Association of Museology (APOM) during the 2025 APOM Awards.
The award ceremony took place on 2nd June at the Cineteatro Louletano in Loulé, with the attendance of Rute Silva, the Mayor of Vila do Bispo. This marks the museum’s first year of participation in the APOM Awards, and it has been recognised for its significant engagement with the local community through the project “From the Barn of Wheat to the Barn of Memory.”
Established in 1994, the APOM Awards celebrate the contributions of museums and their professionals across various domains, reflecting the complexity of museum institutions. Each year, the ceremony serves as a valuable gathering and sharing experience for museum professionals from all over the country, providing a platform to honour the efforts and achievements within the museum sector.
The Vila do Bispo Museum extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Portuguese Association of Museology for the prestigious award. The museum also congratulates the association on the high-quality organisation of the 2025 APOM Awards and acknowledges its 60 years of service to Portuguese museology. A special thanks goes out to the local community for their active participation and engagement with the museum, particularly to the users and professionals of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila do Bispo.
This recognition not only highlights the museum’s commitment to preserving and sharing local history but also strengthens the bond within the community, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage of the western Algarve.
