Bernardino Machado Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Braga > Vila Nova de Famalicão > Vila Nova de Famalicão > Serralho

Location

The Bernardino Machado Museum is located in a central area of Vila Nova de Famalicão, in the zone known as Serralho. The building that houses it, a historic palace, is integrated into the city's urban fabric, with easy access and visibility from one of its main squares.

The Historic Palace

This museum is housed in a beautiful and historic city building, the Palace of the Baron of Trovisqueira. Built in the mid-19th century by an emigrant who returned from Brazil, this palace stands out for its architecture. Over the years, it hosted visits from members of royalty and served various purposes before being rehabilitated by the Municipal Council to house the museum.

When visiting the museum, attention is drawn to striking architectural elements such as the exterior and interior cladding in tiles, the imposing staircase, and the ceilings with ornate stuccoes, which display a neoclassical-inspired decoration with mythological references and vegetal motifs. The building itself is an important part of the experience.

Bernardino Machado: Life and Work

The museum is dedicated to the memory and legacy of Bernardino Machado, a prominent figure in Portuguese history, especially during the First Republic period, having served as President of the Republic twice. His connection to Vila Nova de Famalicão, his father's birthplace and where he is buried, justifies the existence of this space in the city.

The museum's permanent exhibition traces the multifaceted life of Bernardino Machado, exploring his role as a pedagogue, scientist, politician, and thinker. It is an opportunity to better understand the trajectory of this personality and the historical context in which he lived and acted.

The Collection and the First Republic

Inside the museum, it is possible to find a diverse collection that helps tell the story of Bernardino Machado and the period of the First Republic. The collection includes personal items that belonged to him, as well as furniture, clothing, and decorations.

For those interested in history, the museum provides a significant set of documentation, such as correspondence, telegrams, and photographic records. This collection is considered of great importance for the study and deepening of knowledge about the Portuguese First Republic and the figures who shaped it.

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