Guerra Junqueiro House-Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Porto > Porto

Location

Located on Rua de D. Hugo, the Guerra Junqueiro House-Museum is situated in the heart of Porto's Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its surroundings are characterized by narrow streets and the ancient ambiance of the old city. The house's main facade, facing its garden, features a remarkable portal adorned with heraldic motifs, including a pair of lions and fleur-de-lis, inviting a pause in the exploration of the area.

The building, with its imposing yet discreet architecture, fits perfectly into the urban fabric, being sheltered and offering a glimpse into the noble life of yesteryear. The carefully designed boxwood garden complements the south facade of the residence, providing a tranquil environment amidst the dynamic history of Porto.

A Baroque Residence with History

The House-Museum occupies a noble 18th-century palace, believed to have been built between 1730 and 1746. Originally erected for Domingos Barbosa, a canon of Porto Cathedral, its architectural design reflects the Baroque style of the era, traditionally attributed to Nicolau Nasoni, although recent studies suggest António Pereira as a possible author. The rectangular structure with three facades is distinguished by its two lateral towers on the south facade, which served as viewpoints and lend a uniqueness to the edifice.

The interior of the house reveals a three-flight granite central staircase, dominating the space and creating a magnificent "Baroque facade" facing the entrance hall. The worked granite details and stuccoed ceilings testify to the grandeur and decorative richness of the period. This property was recognized for its architectural and historical value, having been classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1977.

The Collection of a Passionate Collector

The museum houses the notable collection of Abílio Manuel Guerra Junqueiro, the illustrious Portuguese poet who lived in this house in Porto. Guerra Junqueiro, known for his literary talent, was also an avid collector, and his artistic estate was generously donated, along with the house, to the Porto City Council by his daughter in 1940, leading to the creation of the House-Museum in 1942.

The exhibition in the museum seeks to recreate the original atmosphere of the house as the poet's residence, displaying pieces of various decorative arts, such as ceramics, metal objects, goldsmithing, sculptures, furniture, and textiles. The collections span a vast period, from the 15th to the early 20th century, with emphasis on sacred art, faience, and Nuremberg plates. Each object tells a story and highlights a particular interest, evoking its era and the poet's collecting passion.

Dialogue Between Eras

In addition to its permanent exhibition, which immerses visitors in the world of Guerra Junqueiro and decorative arts, the House-Museum organizes a "Drawing Cabinet." This space is dedicated to temporary exhibitions, held quarterly, where artists from different generations present works focused on the practice of drawing. This initiative creates an interesting dialogue between the museum's historical legacy and contemporary creativity, expanding its cultural relevance in the city of Porto.

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