Virtual tours to the Manuel Arriaga House (Horta Museum) and Graciosa Museum are available at the "Azores Culture" portal (http://www.culturacores.azores.gov.pt) from October 12.

The Manuel de Arriaga House was opened in November 2011, after the renewal works carried out in the house where José Manuel de Arriaga Brum da Silveira was born and lived until the age of 18; he would later become the first President of the Portuguese Republic in 1911. In addition to preserving the memory of Manuel de Arriaga, this cultural facility represents the republican ideals and values, being a place of reflection and promotion of civic participation.

The expansion works of Graciosa Museum were opened in December 2010. In this museum visitors can go through the past of Graciosa island, which is linked to the production of cereals and wine. Virtual tours to the Whaling Boat Shed and the Windmill will be also available at the culture portal.

With the introduction of new contents of the Azores Knowledge Centre, the Regional Directorate for Culture aims to share with the world some of its rich cultural heritage through the knowledge society and cultural dynamics that brings peoples together.

The "Azores Culture" portal - Virtual Tours to Azorean Museums - will also offer virtual tours to the three centres of Pico Museum and the Sacred Art Centre (Carlos Machado Museum) until the end of October. The Flores Museum may be also visited at the portal by the end of the year.