Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Avenidas Novas > São Sebastião da Pedreira
The Doutor Anastácio Gonçalves House-Museum is located in the Avenidas Novas area, a neighborhood in Lisbon that reflects the urban expansion of the capital at the beginning of the 20th century. This area, once part of the parish of São Sebastião da Pedreira, is characterized by its consolidated urban fabric, where residential buildings and spaces blend together, offering a distinct and easily recognizable urban environment.
The history of the building dates back to the early 20th century, originally designed by architect Norte Júnior between 1904 and 1905. It was built to be the residence and studio of the notable painter José Malhoa. This house, initially known as "Casa Malhoa," is a landmark in Lisbon's architecture, recognized as the capital's first "artist's house." Its uniqueness and beauty were recognized with the prestigious Prémio Valmor in 1905, a testament to its architectural value and harmonious integration into the urban planning of the time.
In 1932, "Casa Malhoa" was acquired by Doctor António Anastácio Gonçalves, an ophthalmologist and passionate art collector. He lived in this house and dedicated himself to organizing and expanding his vast collection. By his express wish, after his death in 1965, the building and its valuable collection were bequeathed to the Portuguese State. In 1980, the house opened its doors to the public as a museum, fulfilling the desire of its last owner to share his cultural heritage. Over the years, the space has undergone expansions and improvements, including the annexation of an adjacent house and the creation of new exhibition areas, always with the aim of enhancing the visitor experience.
The interior of the House-Museum houses a collection of approximately 3,000 works of art, carefully assembled by Doctor Anastácio Gonçalves. The collection is divided into important nuclei, highlighting 19th and 20th-century Portuguese painting, a vast collection of Chinese porcelain, and a significant set of furniture, both Portuguese and foreign. In addition, the exhibition includes pieces of civil and religious silverware, European painting, Portuguese sculpture, ceramics from various origins, textiles, numismatics, medallic art, glassware, and pocket watches. There is also relevant documentary material and a collection of drawings and watercolors by the painter Silva Porto, enriching the cultural narrative of the space.
The building itself is a work of art that deserves particular attention. The facade, designed by architect Norte Júnior, features three distinct bodies that harmonize in their composition. A prominent element is the large window that marks José Malhoa's former studio. Details such as the small porch over the entrance staircase and the wrought-iron gate, which evokes the Art Nouveau style, contribute to its charm. Inside, French stained glass in the dining room and annexes stand out. The facades are enhanced with a frieze of tiles, as well as other figurative and floral registers in shades of blue, white, and yellow, which articulate with the varied fenestration. This eclecticism, which combines neo-Romanesque elements with Art Nouveau aesthetics, gives the House-Museum a unique character and a rich visual identity, recalling the essence of the "Portuguese house."
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.732527683333, -9.1463322111111
Coordinates DMS: 38°43'57.1"N 09°08'46.8"W
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