Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Aveiro > Aveiro > Aveiro > Glória e Vera Cruz
The Art Nouveau Museum is located in a central area of Aveiro, in the Glória and Vera Cruz area, right next to the iconic Central Canal. This privileged position places it in the heart of the city, facilitating access and its discovery for those exploring Aveiro's urban surroundings.
The building that currently houses the Art Nouveau Museum is, in itself, a central piece of this artistic style. Previously known as Casa Major Pessoa, it was built in the early 20th century, between 1907 and 1909, for João Maria da Silva Pessoa. Its authorship is frequently attributed to architects Francisco Augusto da Silva Rocha and Ernesto Korrodi, responsible for creating one of the most remarkable examples of Art Nouveau in Portugal. The historical and artistic importance of the property led to its classification as a Building of Public Interest.
The museum's façade is a testament to the exuberance and characteristic forms of Art Nouveau. It stands out for its decorative profusion, where natural motifs such as flowers and animals intertwine in stylized curvilinear lines. These details are visible in the carved stonework, the richness of the tilework, and the sophisticated artistic ironwork. A striking symbolic element at the top of the building is an eagle, grasping a fish, referring to the fauna of the Ria de Aveiro. Inside, the style remains present in colorful stained glass, woodwork, more tiles, and plaster moldings, with symbols that evoke nature and female figures.
The Art Nouveau Museum functions as an outpost of the Aveiro City Museum and an interpretative centre dedicated to this artistic movement. Its purpose is to offer a didactic perspective on Art Nouveau, inviting visitors to reflect on the aesthetic revolution this style brought and to understand its influence up to the present day. The museum presents diverse collections, including furniture, ceramics, glass, textiles, and graphic arts, which allow for a deep immersion into this unique period of art history. It is also a reference point in the international "Réseau Art Nouveau Network", of which Aveiro is a member.
The experience at the Art Nouveau Museum is not limited to the exhibitions. On the ground floor, there is an integrated space that is a true display of Art Nouveau design. With its original wooden details and decorative elements, this place invites contemplation and allows visitors to experience the atmosphere of early 20th-century tea houses, complementing the museum visit with direct contact with the movement's aesthetic.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.64179753435596, -8.655665113600017
Coordinates DMS: 40°38'30.5"N 08°39'20.4"W
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