Egas Moniz House-Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Aveiro > Estarreja > Avanca > Fontela

Location

The Egas Moniz House-Museum is located in the serene area of Fontela, in Avanca, which belongs to the municipality of Estarreja. This unique house is situated in an urban yet secluded environment, isolated by a walled fence with a distinctive portal. It is part of the Quinta do Marinheiro complex, a harmonious space that invites tranquility and discovery, reflecting its importance and historical ambiance.

The Legacy of a Visionary

This place holds profound significance, as it was the birthplace of António Egas Moniz, the only Portuguese recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1949. His international recognition was due to his pioneering work on cerebral angiography and prefrontal leucotomy. With no direct heirs, Egas Moniz decided that his family residence would become a museum, opening its doors in 1968, with the aim of preserving his vast collection and keeping alive the connection to his homeland and the people who surrounded him.

Architecture and Historical Ambiance

The original structure of Casa do Marinheiro, dating back to the 18th century, underwent extensive remodelling and reconstruction in 1915, under the guidance of architect Ernesto Korrodi. The project gave it a fusion of Art Nouveau elements with a more eclectic style, also evoking the grandeur of ancient provincial manor houses. Outside, visitors can appreciate decorative details characteristic of Art Nouveau, including a remarkable tile panel on the west facade, authored by Jorge Colaço. Inside, the house, now a Property of Public Interest, extends over three floors, maintaining the furniture and atmosphere that characterized Professor Egas Moniz's life, with rooms adorned by crafted ceilings and a neoclassical oratory that adds a note of serenity and art.

Collections and Holdings

The Egas Moniz House-Museum is a treasure trove of collections that the Professor acquired throughout his life, demonstrating his exquisite personal taste. Visitors can admire a diversity of furniture pieces spanning different styles, such as D. José, D. João V, D. Maria, Luís XVI, Empire, Dutch, and Chinoiserie lacquer. The ceramic collection is equally impressive, with examples from the East India Company, Canton, Saxe, Sèvres, as well as Portuguese and Oriental porcelains and faiences. The artistic aspect is complemented by a valuable painting gallery, featuring works by renowned Portuguese artists such as Carlos Reis, José Malhoa, and Abel Salazar. In addition to these artistic treasures, the museum houses a scientific section dedicated to Egas Moniz's discoveries, showcasing the trajectory of his research and the original instruments that led him to the Nobel Prize, such as the syringe, Martins' forceps, and the leucotome, offering a unique perspective on his scientific genius.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt