Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Lisboa > Cascais > Cascais > Bairro do Rosário
The Casa das Histórias Paula Rego is situated in a tranquil, predominantly residential area of Cascais, known as Bairro do Rosário. This location offers a serene environment conducive to contemplation, set within a space that once housed the tennis courts of the old Sporting Club de Cascais. The building is surrounded by mature trees and natural terrain that have been carefully preserved and integrated into its architectural design, creating a calm atmosphere for visitors.
The Casa das Histórias building is a remarkable work by the architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, chosen by Paula Rego herself. The project immediately stands out in the landscape due to its two characteristic pyramidal structures, both of the same size, and the concrete pigmented in a vibrant red hue. This contemporary approach revisits elements of the region's historical architecture, creating a harmonious dialogue between the new and the traditional. The conception of the space was designed to meet the needs of a museum while ensuring a welcoming experience for its visitors.
Inside, the building is composed of different volumes organized into four distinct wings. These wings are subdivided into sequential rooms, arranged around a central, higher space dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Neutral tones predominate, and the floor is paved with Cascais blue marble, lending a calm and elegant atmosphere to the exhibition environment.
The purpose of the Casa das Histórias is to disseminate and appreciate Paula Rego's vast oeuvre, exploring her artistic connections and unique creative universe. The museum houses a collection spanning approximately fifty years of the artist's career, featuring paintings, drawings, and engravings created with diverse techniques and on multiple supports. The permanent exhibition is organized in thematic rotation, allowing visitors to follow the different phases and artistic approaches of Paula Rego, as well as her unique contribution to Portuguese and international art.
In addition to the artist's own works, the collection also includes pieces by her late husband, Victor Willing, as well as some of the models Paula Rego used in her creation, a large patchwork piece, and personal documents, offering a more complete perspective on her creative process and life. The space also features an auditorium, where various cultural initiatives are held, enriching the visit.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.6950163,-9.4242764
Coordinates DMS: 38°41'42.1"N 09°25'27.4"W