Center for Contemporary Art - Municipal Museum of Tomar

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Santarém > Tomar > Tomar > Quinta do Lima

Location:

The Contemporary Art Center is located in the Quinta do Lima area, in Tomar. This urban area is situated close to the city's historic center, integrating with its surroundings and offering an accessible cultural point of interest within the urban fabric.

The Collection of Portuguese Art:

This cultural space houses a collection dedicated to contemporary Portuguese art. It is possible to appreciate a diverse set of works, including painting, sculpture, drawing, and photography. The collection offers a journey through national artistic production, covering a time span that begins in the 1930s and extends to the present day.

The collection highlights significant moments in the history of Portuguese art. Names associated with modernism from the first half of the 20th century, such as Mário Eloy, Júlio, and Almada Negreiros, are represented. Surrealism also has its place, with significant works. Further in time, the collection covers abstractionism and new figuration, with works by artists like Fernando Lanhas and João Cutileiro, showcasing the richness and variety of art produced in Portugal over these decades.

The History of the Building:

The building housing the museum has a past linked to local history. The site where the center is located was, in ancient times, the backyard of a Prior of the Convent of Christ's residence. The current construction dates from the early 20th century, having been originally designed for residential use. The space was later adapted for its museological function through a project that allowed its restructuring to accommodate the art collection.

Architectural Elements and Outdoor Works:

Upon visiting the museum, some elements stand out for their particularity. Inside, the staircase leading to the second floor features a design that, when viewed from above, creates an interesting optical illusion, seemingly stretching surprisingly. Outside, the space is enhanced by two large-scale artworks: the sculpture "Blue Tree" by José de Guimarães and the installation "Luminous Modulation X" by Eduardo Nery. These pieces were created specifically for this location and offered by their respective artists, contributing to the museum's visual identity even before entering.

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