The Museum of the Sea will be inaugurated by the City Council this Friday, showcasing one of the finest collections in the country on fishing and navigation. Housed in the bullring, this new exhibition space is a tribute to the enduring relationship between humanity and the ocean. The collection, curated by Miguel López Mateo from Malaga, reflects a lifetime of experiences as a fisherman, diver, and sailor.
The Museum of the Sea in Estepona opens its doors next Friday, offering a unique perspective on the historical bond between people and the sea. Displaying the Miguel López Mateo Collection, the museum highlights the traditions, techniques, and tools that have shaped the maritime heritage of the Mediterranean region.
With a strong focus on education and emotional connection, the museum aims to not only showcase maritime practices but also explore the reasons behind them. Each exhibit narrates tales of innovation, survival, discovery, and cultural legacy.
Visitors can explore a diverse range of artifacts meticulously preserved and displayed from Miguel López Mateo’s collection, including ancient navigation tools, 19th-century diving gear, ship models, fishing equipment, and everyday items from seafaring life. Notable highlights include historical naval pieces like a 1876 binnacle with an original Wind Rose, a telegraph similar to the Titanic’s from the late 19th century, and an 18th-century graphometer signed by Claud Langlois.
The museum also features interactive displays and educational sections tailored for schools, focusing on traditional navigation, artisanal fishing, and maritime trades of bygone eras.
Estepona’s Heritage councilman, Daniel Garcia, views the Museum of the Sea as a significant cultural asset for the town, acknowledging its role in preserving a shared maritime history that defines the local identity.
The Museum of the Sea aims to be an inclusive and diverse space, offering activities for students, researchers, tourists, and families. Throughout the year, the museum will host workshops, conferences, temporary exhibitions, and guided tours centered on the maritime history of the Andalusian coast.
The inauguration is scheduled for this Friday at 7:30 pm, with regular visiting hours from Tuesday to Saturday, 09:00 to 15:00 hours. The museum will be closed on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays.
Miguel López Mateo, a native of El Bulto in Malaga born in 1939, was not just a fisherman, diver, and sailor but also a dedicated collector. His lifelong passion for maritime objects and traditions has culminated in a rich collection that now forms the core of the Museum of the Sea, ensuring his legacy lives on for future generations.