Quinta de Santiago Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Matosinhos > Leça da Palmeira > Mercado

Location

The Quinta de Santiago Museum is located in Leça da Palmeira, a vibrant area of the Matosinhos municipality, specifically in the Mercado (Market) zone. Its location offers a unique experience, combining the tranquility of a former manor farm with proximity to the local urban dynamism.

A Look at History and Architecture

This museum occupies a building with a rich history, presumably completed in 1896, which was once the residence of the Santiago de Carvalho e Sousa family. Designed by the Italian architect Nicola Bigaglia, the palace reflects a fascinating blend of architectural styles, including neo-medieval, neo-baroque, and romantic elements. Observing its quadrangular tower or details such as the stained-glass window, the embossed emblems, and the symbolism of the knight, transports us to the original vision of a "castle" with a modern touch. The house is, in itself, a valuable testament to the profound urbanistic and social transformations that marked Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira between the late 19th and throughout the 20th century. After being acquired by the municipality in 1968, the building underwent a careful conservation and restoration intervention, with a project by architect Fernando Távora, and was subsequently adapted to house the museological space that opened its doors in 1996.

The Spaces and Collections

The Quinta de Santiago complex comprises a set of buildings that offer different perspectives on its history and collection. In the main body of the museum, spread over two floors, one can explore the characteristic atmosphere of domestic environments from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, providing a window into the daily lives of the era. This space also features exhibitions with works from the municipal art collection, which include works by artists such as António Carneiro, Agostinho Salgado, Augusto Gomes, Aurélia de Souza, and Joaquim Lopes. The experience is complemented by the Irene Vilar Space, dedicated to cultural and educational activities, and the Casa do Bosque (Forest House), where the intriguing Giant Waterfall stands out. This waterfall, covering approximately fifteen square meters, is a meticulous reconstruction representing Leça in the early 20th century, a creation by artist José Moreira donated to the museum.

The Sculpture Garden

Surrounding the museum, the expansive garden of Quinta de Santiago invites visitors to a peaceful stroll. This green space is not only a serene refuge but also an open-air gallery, punctuated by sculptural works by renowned names in contemporary Portuguese art. Along the path, visitors can admire creations by artists such as Álvaro Siza Vieira, Rui Anahory, and Lagoa Henriques, which interact with the landscape and the historical architecture of the site, enriching the cultural experience of the visit.

Accessibility for All

The Quinta de Santiago Museum strives to be a welcoming and accessible space. It features a stairlift, equipped with a seatbelt and a capacity of 120 kg, and wheelchairs for support to facilitate movement across the museum's two floors. Outdoors, although the garden has some sloped paths, access is partially adapted. Restrooms, both in the main museum and the auditorium, are also accessible. For visitors with specific visual needs, tactile boards are available to enhance the understanding of the exhibitions.

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