The Curiositas project (PTDC/COM-OUT/4851/2021), developed at CICANT in collaboration with the Institute of Art History (IHA – FCSH) at Universidade Nova de Lisboa, has received an “Excellent” final evaluation from the FCT - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology.
The evaluators highlighted the excellence and rigour of the historical research, the quality of the scientific outputs, and the project’s dissemination strategy. The research into the routes of cosmorama exhibitions extended beyond the Iberian Peninsula, tracing the international circulation of these visual devices and significantly expanding the project’s original scope. This research led to several major outputs, including the creation of open-access databases hosted on Rossio and the Time Machine Organisation platforms, as well as the development of an interactive visualisation map.
The project also produced a physical Cosmorama prototype and a virtual reality recreation, culminating in an exhibition at the Cinemateca Portuguesa—Museu do Cinema. The panel further emphasised the project’s “capacity to reach national and international academic communities”, particularly through the establishment of collaborations with organisations such as IPC – International Panorama Council. Additionally, the dissemination efforts included outputs such as an interview series on the history of the cosmorama and its contemporary recreation, as well as the publication of a book entirely dedicated to this optical device. All these outputs opened new possibilities for both public dissemination and future research on cosmoramas in particular, and media heritage more broadly.
This evaluation reflects the high quality of the scientific research developed at the CICANT and highlights the centre’s active engagement with national and international partners.
