Jewish Museum of Porto

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Boavista

Location

The Jewish Museum of Porto is located in the Boavista area, a central and bustling part of the city of Porto. It is specifically located on Rua de Guerra Junqueiro, directly opposite the imposing Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue, establishing an immediate visual and geographical connection with the local Jewish community.

Boavista is an area with good accessibility, combining urban rhythm with quieter spaces, serving as a meeting point between the history and contemporary life of Porto.

A Journey Through Jewish History and Heritage

Inaugurated in 2019, this museum's main mission is to illuminate the rich and complex history of the Jewish community, serving as a beacon against antisemitism in Europe. The space guides visitors through a multi-century journey, from the origins of the Jewish faith with Abraham to its presence in the Iberian Peninsula, where Jews and other cultures coexisted for centuries.

Inside, it is possible to observe objects of great religious relevance, such as Torah scrolls, a detailed replica of the Temple of Jerusalem, volumes of the Talmud, and instruments like the shofar. The museological narrative also addresses the life of the medieval Jewish community, the impact of D. Manuel's Edict of Expulsion, the centuries of the Inquisition, and the waves of migration that spread Portuguese Jews around the world.

The journey continues with the return of Jews to Porto in the 19th century and the founding of the Jewish Community of Porto (CIP), highlighting the fundamental role of figures such as Captain Barros Basto. The museum also highlights the community's action in welcoming refugees during World War II and its remarkable growth in the 21st century, driven by legislation that restored Portuguese nationality to Sephardic Jews.

Collections and Unique Connections

Beyond the historical narrative, the Jewish Museum of Porto presents elements that make it unique. In the garden, there is a stone epitaph in memory of Grand Rabbi Isaac Aboab, a prominent 15th-century figure who lived and was buried in Porto. Also noteworthy is an impressive Inquisition prison-cart, an authentic piece used in the film "1618", produced by the Jewish Community itself.

At the entrance of the building, a message in Hebrew invites solidarity and mutual support between Jews and Portuguese, a testament to the spirit that guides the place. The museum's last rooms offer a captivating view of the Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue.

These final rooms also surprise visitors with a wine cellar dedicated to Port wine, establishing a symbolic connection between the Jewish community and one of the city's most distinctive hallmarks. The museum also displays the numerous awards won by films the community produced, in collaboration with the Diocese of Porto, highlighting a cultural and charitable project unique in the world. A room dedicated to the historic Operation Entebbe completes the experience, offering a perspective on a crucial event in contemporary history.

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