National Museum Soares dos Reis — Attraction in Porto

A grand palace brimming with artistic treasures awaits exploration in the vibrant neighborhood of Cedofeita in Porto, Portugal. The Soares dos Reis National Museum, nestled within the grandeur of Carrancas Palace, is a hallowed tribute to the prodigious Portuguese artist, António dos Reis. Born in 1829 and departed this world in 1862, Reis left a legacy encapsulated within the museum's walls. The museum opened its illustrious doors to the public in 1883, unveiling a world where art intertwines with history. Since then, it has stood as a beacon for art enthusiasts and curious minds, housing a magnificent collection of Reis's works and serving as a testament to his artistic prowess. The Soares dos Reis National Museum is more than a display of art; it is an immersive experience. You'll find galleries, a comprehensive library, and a sophisticated conservation laboratory within the palace. These spaces breathe life into the museum, offering guests a deep dive into the art world and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the painstaking work of art preservation. Yet, the museum's mission extends beyond its collections. It serves as a dynamic platform for education, fostering cultural appreciation and understanding through its array of programs and events. Workshops, lectures, and special exhibitions invite guests to engage with art on a deeper level, encouraging reflection, dialogue, and discovery. The museum welcomes visitors from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, and from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday. And in the spirit of making art accessible to all, admission to the museum is free. Embarking on a journey through the Soares dos Reis National Museum is like stepping into a time capsule, where every corner tells a story and every artifact holds a secret. It's an invitation to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Reis's life and work, to lose yourself in the labyrinth of creativity, and to emerge with newfound appreciation and understanding. In short, it's an artistic pilgrimage you want to take advantage...

This is Portugal’s first public art museum, originally founded in 1833 by King Pedro IV as the Museu Portuense (Museum Portuense). It was renamed in 1911 following the donation of works by the celebrated sculptor António Soares dos Reis. Since 1942, the museum has been housed in the Palácio dos Carrancas (Carrancas Palace), a neoclassical mansion built in the late 18th to early 19th century, which once served as the residence of Portuguese nobility and foreign military commanders. Between 1992 and 2001, the museum underwent major renovations to modernize and expand its exhibition areas. The palace’s original layout was designed by Joaquim da Costa Lima Sampaio, while the renovation was led by the Fernando Távora architectural studio. Today, the museum houses a diverse collection of over 18,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, glassware, metalwork, textiles, furniture, and jewelry. It places particular emphasis on the art of Soares dos Reis and on Portuguese painting and sculpture from the 19th and...

people don’t talk much about this museum because technically the collection is classic art and historical objects, BUT the building itself is a magic trip that anyone should do (and if you’re visiting the country it is A MUST DO thing). besides of the collection, there’s always contemporary arts and design exhibitions, so the MIX of the old historical building and the new art is great.

besides of the main building there’s a patio (with a beautiful hand painted traditional tiles wall), an adjacent building and behind it’s a huge outdoor area with a collection of architectural coat of arms sculpted in granite. in this area (that looks kinda like a cemetery because of the arranged stone work) you can always see contemporary art/design objects/sculptures and this mix creates a great experience.

the staff is super friendly and explains what kind of exhibitions they have at that time (so you can actually choose what to see first).

IMPORTANT: it looks smaller than it is from the outside, so spare some time...