Alhandra Museum - Dr. Sousa Martins House

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Lisboa > Vila Franca de Xira > Alhandra > Alhandra, São João dos Montes e Calhandriz

Location:

Located in the town of Alhandra, this museum is situated in the waterfront area, directly facing the Tagus River. Its position offers a tranquil environment and a direct connection to the historical and geographical atmosphere of the village, close to the water.

A House with Memory:

This museum is housed in what was the former home of the celebrated physician, pharmacist, and professor José Tomás de Sousa Martins (1843-1897). The choice of this location underscores the deep connection between the institution and the figure it is named after, allowing visitors to experience a little of the environment where one of the most prominent personalities associated with Alhandra lived.

Portraits of the Parish:

The museum offers a journey through the history and life of the parish of Alhandra. Through documents, books, paintings, photographs, work instruments, and everyday objects, it is possible to discover aspects of the area's social and economic development over time. The collection addresses themes such as the industrialization that shaped the region, the strength of local associativism, and the importance of sports in the community, presenting a comprehensive portrait of Alhandra's identity.

Figures Who Left Their Mark:

An important part of the museum is dedicated to personalities who left their mark in Alhandra and in the country. In addition to Dr. Sousa Martins himself, known for his medical and humanitarian career, it is possible to find elements related to figures such as the playwright and theatrical entrepreneur Salvador Marques (1838-1907), the neo-realist writer Soeiro Pereira Gomes (1909-1949), the playwright, poet, and composer Francisco Filipe dos Reis (Soeiro Pereira Gomes' father-in-law), and the Alhandra swimmer Joaquim Baptista Pereira (1921-1984). Their stories and contributions are told through various pieces from the collection.

For Deeper Insight:

The museum space includes areas that complement the permanent exhibition. There is a gallery designed to host temporary exhibitions and other events, providing new perspectives on themes related to Alhandra or culture in general. It also features a small library, useful for those wishing to consult specialized materials on local history and heritage.

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