Abel Manta Municipal Museum of Modern Art

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Guarda > Gouveia > Gouveia > São Pedro e São Julião

Location

The Abel Manta Municipal Museum of Modern Art is located in the heart of Gouveia, on the well-known Rua Direita. The building housing the museum is integrated into the city's central urban fabric, serving as a landmark in the area. Its location allows for easy access from various zones, and the building opens onto a public garden, offering a pleasant surrounding environment.

A Building with History

The museum is housed in an imposing manor house built in the 18th century. This historic building was originally a noble residence, belonging to the first lords of Casa do Toural. Later, it became the property of the Counts of Vinhó and Almedina, important figures who even supported Abel Manta's artistic studies. Over time, the manor passed into the possession of the Municipality of Gouveia, being adapted for cultural and public purposes, preserving its architecture and its historical connection to the city.

The Collection of Portuguese Modern Art

Inside this historic building, one discovers a collection dedicated to Portuguese modern art. The museum's central collection originated from a significant donation by Abel Manta's son, João Abel Manta, who was also an architect and artist. The collection covers various forms of expression, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking, featuring works by prominent Portuguese artists of the 20th century, from the early modernists to creators from the 1980s. Besides works by Abel Manta himself, pieces by names such as Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, Júlio Pomar, Paula Rego, Júlio Resende, and many others can be appreciated.

The Legacy of Abel Manta

The museum pays homage to Abel Manta, an artist born in Gouveia with a remarkable career. Born in this city in 1888, Abel Manta studied in Lisbon and Paris, exhibiting his work on several occasions and representing Portugal in international competitions. The museum not only preserves and exhibits part of his work but is also associated with a painting prize that encourages contemporary artistic creation, and the awarded works enrich the museum's collection, keeping alive the link between the city and art.

An Active Cultural Space

In addition to its permanent exhibition, the Abel Manta Municipal Museum of Modern Art is a dynamic cultural center. It regularly presents temporary exhibitions, mainly focused on plastic arts and photography, which complement the permanent collection and always offer something new to appreciate. The museum also promotes educational activities, seeking to engage different visitors and provide experiences of contact with art beyond the mere observation of works in the rooms.

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