The birthplace of Manuel de Arriaga date of century beginnings. XIX and is located in the center of Horta.

It was originally a linear building, flanked by two symmetrical towers, elements that added some eclecticism to the formal simplicity of this aristocratic family home: a house of tradition architecture that had a romantic garden, a croquet court and a farm agricultural production developed to over several terraces.

The high intensity earthquake in 1924 amputated the North tower that existed in the right place at the beginning of the current Arch Street. Various expansions and different uses have been modifying this solar. In the 70s the house served as a home to young people from other islands who came to study in Horta, and in a few years, after abandonment, reached a state of great disrepair, accelerated situation by the collapse of the roof.

The Azores Regional Government has decided to constitute a new cultural offer equipment, honoring the figure of the first President of the Portuguese Republic and celebrating the values of the republic, citizenship and democracy. The architectural rehabilitation continued an interesting and adjusted museum program that took into account the nature and original domestic scale, taking contemporary architectural additions deemed appropriate in the light of new uses.