Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Porto > Valongo > Ermesinde > Sonhos
This cultural space is located in Ermesinde, a town in the municipality of Valongo. It is specifically situated in the area designated "Sonhos" (Dreams), on the first floor of the Dr. Faria Sampaio Building, a public-character building. Its position, next to the Citizen's Shop (Loja do Cidadão), suggests an integration into the central urban fabric of the area.
The Magic Museum Portugal is a guardian of the history and art of illusionism in the country. This space is dedicated to exploring the fascinating universe of magic, presenting it not only as entertainment but as an art form with a significant cultural legacy. It is conceived as a dynamic place where learning and enchantment intertwine, inviting visitors to delve into the origins and evolution of this millennial practice.
The collection of this museum is vast and unique, gathered over years by the Magic Museum Association. It includes thousands of rare pieces and unique collections, which tell the history of illusionism through different mediums. Among the exhibited objects are literary works dedicated to magic, historical videos, photographs, iconic show posters, various magical apparatus, illusion games, and manuscripts. Notably, for example, is the first magic box created in Portugal, dating from the late 1960s. Many of these pieces were carefully recovered from international auctions and antique shops, highlighting the presence of Portuguese magic worldwide.
The choice of Ermesinde, in the municipality of Valongo, to host the Magic Museum Portugal is not random, but rather an acknowledgment of the region's deep connection to this art. For over three decades, Valongo has been a national and international reference point in the field of illusionism, greatly driven by the continuous realization of MagicValongo, International Illusionism Festival. The museum thus emerges as a pillar that strengthens and broadens access to this cultural heritage, allowing visitors of all ages to explore the magical universe throughout the year.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.21337911278599, -8.545768897213769
Coordinates DMS: 41°12'48.2"N 08°32'44.8"W