Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Aveiro > Estarreja > Avanca > Fontela
The Egas Moniz House-Museum is situated in Fontela, an area of the town of Avanca, integrated into the municipality of Estarreja. The property stands isolated and protected by a walled fence, featuring a distinct portal that marks its entrance. It is located on the old Quinta do Marinheiro, in an environment that maintains some harmony with constructions from nearby eras. Its position stands out in the local landscape, offering a setting conducive to a more introspective visit.
Originally known as Casa do Marinheiro, this building has roots dating back to the 18th century. It is a place of profound historical significance, as it was here that António Egas Moniz, the illustrious Portuguese physician and scientist who would later be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, was born. In 1915, the house underwent an almost complete transformation, based on a remodeling project by architect Ernesto Korrodi, which gave it the design observed today. Korrodi's intervention combined Art Nouveau architectural details on the exterior with more eclectic interiors, seeking a connection to the old regional manor houses.
Having no descendants, Egas Moniz decided to dedicate his house, to which he devoted great affection, to the creation of a museum. The Egas Moniz House-Museum opened to the public on July 14, 1968, fulfilling his wish to perpetuate his connection to Avanca and share his legacy. The space preserves the environment lived by the Professor, allowing visitors to glimpse his intimacy and personal tastes through the objects and furniture that surrounded him.
The House-Museum's collection reflects Egas Moniz's multifaceted personality and life journey. In addition to the scientist's personal estate, including his national and international awards and decorations, the museum houses valuable collections he acquired throughout his life. Highlights include works of painting, engraving, sculpture, and drawing, as well as a remarkable set of decorative arts, such as ceramics (including pieces from the Company of the Indies, Vista Alegre, and oriental), furniture of various styles, silver, and glass.
A significant part of the House-Museum is dedicated to Egas Moniz's scientific work. Visitors can explore objects and documents related to his pioneering discoveries, namely cerebral angiography and prefrontal leucotomy, which earned him worldwide recognition and the Nobel Prize in 1949. This section sometimes features exhibitions with graphic material illustrating the stages of his research, making his innovative contributions to medicine understandable.
Recognized for its historical and cultural importance, the Egas Moniz House-Museum has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1997. Exploring its rooms, with their beautiful coffered or wood-paneled ceilings, walls sometimes covered with wallpaper, and the triple archway on the upper floor, offers an aesthetic and engaging experience. The interior atmosphere conveys a sense of order and refinement, reflecting the refined taste of its former owner and his vision of museums as "centers of education and spiritual delight."
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.8063092,-8.5910907
Coordinates DMS: 40°48'22.7"N 08°35'27.9"W
Weather Avanca
On-duty Pharmacy Avanca
