MEDEIROS E ALMEIDA MUSEUM

Situated in central Lisbon, the decorative arts collection gathered by António de Medeiros e Almeida (1895-1986) is displayed in his former residence, which was turned into a museum in 1972.

The collection, presented in 27 galleries, comprises Portuguese and foreign pieces belonging to a variety of art forms – including furniture, painting, sculpture, textiles and sacred art – dating from the 2nd century BC to the 20th century CE.

Four collections – watches and clocks, Chinese porcelain, silverworks and fans – are highlighted in specific galleries. António de Medeiros e Almeida was a figure of prominence in Portuguese business, with major interests in the motor trade, commercial aviation, and the Azorean sugar industry. The success of his business activities provided the means allowing him simultaneously to pursue the collection of works of art.

In 1924 he married Margarida Pinto Basto (1898-1971), and in 1943 they bought a Parisian-style mansion in central Lisbon. After remodelling works, they settled in in 1946.

The flourishing of his business ventures following World War II, gave him access to the international art market, allowing him to frequent the foremost European auction houses and antique dealers and to gain a reputation as a grand collector. 

At the beginning of the sixties the couple began to make plans to ensure that their collection would be preserved intact. 

In 1972, António created the Medeiros e Almeida Foundation with the mission of “… providing the country with a house-museum …”, which was open to the public in 2001.

The Museum building comprises two different areas: the Old Wing that was inhabited by Medeiros e Almeida, which has been kept essentially as it was then; and the New Wing built over the former garden, which consists mainly of reconstituted ambiances with wood panelling, painted ceilings and sumptuous decoration.

The collection, of which about 2000 pieces are on permanent display, reflects a very eclectic taste of French predominance. There are so many stories… you need to come and visit the Museum. From Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm