Eduardo Malta Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Castelo Branco > Covilhã > Covilhã

Location:

The Covilhã Museum of Art and Culture is situated in the historic heart of the city, alongside streets that evoke the old textile trade district. The urban surroundings combine traditional schist and granite facades with green spaces and small urban gardens.

The building rests on an elevated position relative to the surrounding houses, offering glimpses of the Serra da Estrela hills from its display windows and regular windows. Its proximity to the civic center allows for easy pedestrian access.

Environment and Architecture

The museum project is by Ernesto Korrodi, a distinguished architect from the early 20th century, who adapted the former Overseas Bank to its new cultural program. The main facade features a large blue and white tile panel that evokes overseas trade and the Age of Discoveries.

Inside, each floor reveals painted concrete structures in soft colors, creating a fluid transition between rooms and corridors. The generous ceiling height and indirect lighting enhance the appreciation of sacred art pieces and archaeological elements.

Collections and Exhibits

The collection ranges from prehistoric remains to contemporary creations, organized chronologically. The lower floor houses archaeological materials that bear witness to the Roman and medieval occupation of the territory.

The upper floors host religious painting, civil art, and modern installations, allowing visitors to understand the aesthetic and social evolution of the Covilhã municipality. In each section, clear informational panels describe the context of each piece.

Interaction and Accessibility

The museum offers tactile resources and audio guides that facilitate discovery for visitors with different sensory needs. Braille routes and interactive surfaces invite a closer experience with the collections.

Elevators and ramps ensure circulation between floors, making the space inclusive for wheelchair users. The reception also provides brochures in multiple languages.

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