Historical timeline

1950s

The first piece

While studying at the University of Coimbra, Portugal, Hermes de Oliveira Castanhas acquired his first collectible – a doctor’s stamp – which marked the beginning of his extensive collection.

1976

Quinta de Aradas

Located in the Portuguese town of Aveiro and purchased by the Castanhas family in 1976, this property housed the collection’s permanent exhibition from the 1990s onwards.

1980s

Congresses and conferences

The collection continued to grow and soon became a benchmark at both national and international level. It was featured at several medical congresses and conferences in Portugal and abroad, most notably at the XII World Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1988.

1990s

Dr. Hermes House Museum

Established to house the permanent exhibition of the medical collection of Dr. Hermes de Oliveira Castanhas.

The museum and the collection were presented to the public by RTP in 1995:

Interview with Hermes de Oliveira Castanhas – RTP2

Interview with Hermes de Oliveira Castanhas – RTP Archives

Video report at the Dr. Hermes House Museum – RTP2

Dr. Hermes House Museum in Aveiro – RTP Archives

1993

Member of EBCOG

Hermes de Oliveira Castanhas, now a recognised collector, was appointed member of the Medical History Group of EAGO – European Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, which has since been renamed EBCOG – European Board & College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

2000s

Collaboration with the Portuguese Medical Association

With regular publications in the Medical Association’s journal and bulletin on the history of medicine, highlighting certain objects.

Boletim da Secção Regional do Centro da Ordem dos Médicos, No. 30, 2007

Article entitled “Rare Treasures Collected by Dr. Hermes de Oliveira Castanhas”. Page 16

Revista da Ordem dos Médicos, No. 85, 2007

Article by Dr. Hermes de Oliveira Castanhas. “Presentation of the Tarnier forceps” from the Dr. Hermes House Museum collection. Page 40

Revista da Ordem dos Médicos, No. 91, 2008

Article by Dr. Hermes de Oliveira Castanhas. “Presentation of a syringe” used to perform lymphographies” from the Dr. Hermes House Museum collection. Page 50

Revista da Ordem dos Médicos, No. 95, 2008

Article by Dr. Hermes de Oliveira Castanhas. “Presentation of paediatric scales” from the Dr. Hermes House Museum collection. Page 32

2010

Publication of Casa-Museum Dr. Hermes

The first edition of the book was published, featuring a selection of pieces from the collection and a preface by José Manuel Silva, President of the Portuguese Medical Association (2011–2016).

2013

Municipal Distinction

The Dr. Hermes House Museum was recognised by Aveiro City Council as a Monument of Public Interest.

2022

Establishment of the Casa Hermes Foundation

The Casa Hermes Foundation (FCH) was created to preserve and build upon the historical and cultural legacy of the Dr. Hermes House Museum. At the same time, it aims to enhance the project, particularly in the field of health education.

2023

Publication of Fundação Casa Hermes

The FCH released its first publication – a carefully curated compilation of historical insights featuring a selection of emblematic pieces from its collection.

This publication also includes notable contributions from Carlos Cortes, President of the Portuguese Medical Association (2023–present); Germano de Sousa, former President of the Portuguese Medical Association (1999–2004); and architect Pedro Appleton, each of whom has played a key role in shaping the Casa Hermes Foundation.

2024

Inauguration of Skope

Skope, the new Health and Medicine Museum, officially opened its doors, showcasing the collection of the former Dr. Hermes House Museum. Now under the management of the Casa Hermes Foundation, Skope presents a rich and multifaceted history of medicine in a space dedicated to knowledge and health education.

2024

Recipe Book – NOVA Medical School

The Casa Hermes Foundation, in collaboration with the NOVA Medical School and with the support of its nutrition team, published a cookbook featuring nutritionally balanced recipes. This collection is now on display at Skope – Health and Medicine Museum and in the University’s Kitchen Lab.

The book highlights eight categories: starters, fish dishes, meat dishes, ovo-lacto vegetarian dishes, desserts, drinks and snacks. The recipes are also available here.