Pottery Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Braga > Barcelos > Barcelos > Vila Frescainha (São Martinho)

Location

The Pottery Museum is located in the historic center of Barcelos. It is housed in the old Casa dos Mendanhas, a building that is part of the city's historical heritage. It is in a central area and easily accessible on foot while exploring the historic core.

The House that Hosts the Museum

The museum is not just about the clay pieces; the building itself also deserves attention. It is housed in the old Casa dos Mendanhas, a historic residence in the city dating back to the 18th century. Visiting the museum thus also allows one to appreciate a bit of Barcelos' built heritage, in an environment that reflects the history of the city itself, which is the birthplace of so much pottery.

A Rich and Diverse Collection

The museum's collection is quite extensive, bringing together thousands of pieces. It consists mainly of Portuguese ceramics, showcasing the diversity of styles and techniques from north to south of the country, in both matte and glazed pieces. It also includes examples of pottery from other countries, with a focus on those of Portuguese expression, but also from other origins such as Spain or some African countries.

It is possible to see everyday crockery, decorative pieces, and pottery linked to folklore and traditions. Naturally, the famous Rooster of Barcelos is well represented, in different shapes and sizes. Works by well-known artists, such as the potter Rosa Ramalho, and many other Portuguese potters can also be admired. The collection features examples of different types of clay and finishes, such as black pottery or glazed red pottery.

Roots of Portuguese Pottery

The creation of this museum in 1963 aimed to value the art of pottery, which has strong ties to Barcelos and Portugal. It began with a private collection that served as the basis for the development of its collection, which then grew to encompass ceramics from across the country.

The museum functions as a guardian of this heritage, dedicating itself to the research, acquisition, conservation, and dissemination of pottery. Most of the pieces come from Portugal, with a special focus on ceramics produced in the municipality of Barcelos, but the collection shows the breadth of Portuguese clay art and its connection to other cultures. The exhibited pieces tell stories about the uses, customs, and life of different regions, serving as a cultural portrait through pottery.

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