José Malhoa Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Leiria > Caldas da Rainha > Caldas da Rainha > Avenal

Location:

The José Malhoa Museum is located in the city of Caldas da Rainha, Portugal. It is situated within D. Carlos I Park, considered the city's main green space. Its location within the park offers visitors the opportunity to combine a museum visit with a stroll through a natural and peaceful environment.

A Building with History in Portuguese Museology

The building housing the José Malhoa Museum holds a unique place in the history of Portuguese culture. It is notable for being the first in Portugal to be planned and built from scratch with the specific purpose of accommodating a museum, making it a pioneer in national museology. This property is classified as of Public Interest, recognizing its heritage value.

The Art Collections

The museum features the largest collection of works by the artist José Malhoa gathered in one place. In addition to the work of its patron, the collection includes a significant ensemble of 19th and 20th-century Portuguese painting and sculpture. It is frequently identified as the museum of Portuguese naturalism, reflecting the importance of this artistic movement in its collections and the presence of works by other artists of the era.

Collection Highlights

Besides naturalist paintings and sculptures, the museum houses other relevant collections. A section dedicated to Caldas da Rainha ceramics stands out, highlighting Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro's legacy in local earthenware. There is also an unusual set of sixty terracotta sculptures depicting the "Passion of Christ." Visitors can also find an outdoor sculpture exhibition spread throughout D. Carlos I Park, featuring works by various artists and generations.

The Museum Space

The building itself offers an environment conducive to artistic appreciation, with generously sized rooms that take advantage of natural light. The museum recently underwent a significant refurbishment, aiming to improve visiting conditions and infrastructure to welcome visitors more comfortably and functionally.

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