Maurício Penha House Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Vila Real > Alijó > Sanfins do Douro > Agrelos

Location:

Situated in the locality of Sanfins do Douro, within the municipality of Alijó, the Maurício Penha House Museum is located in the area known as Agrelos. The building is integrated into the traditional urban fabric of the village, close to local landmarks such as Fonte de Baixo, Gricha, and the historic Rua da Quintã. This position places it in the heart of the village, accessible to those exploring its streets.

Origin and Historic Building:

The institution responsible for the House Museum was formally established as a foundation on January 11, 1989. The museum is housed in a building with historical roots: it is an old 18th-century house that belonged to the Penha family. This property underwent careful restoration and adaptation work to accommodate its museum function, preserving the character of the original construction.

Maurício Penha's Artistic Collection:

The main focus of the House Museum is to present to the public the vast artistic collection of Maurício Meireles Penha, the sculptor whose name gives it its identity. The collection covers various forms of expression, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, drawing, and ceramics. A permanent exhibition allows for the appreciation of a significant selection of these works, offering an in-depth view of the artist's oeuvre. This display is periodically renewed, allowing for different perspectives on the collection.

Cultural Revitalization and Exhibitions:

In addition to exhibiting the founder's collection, the House Museum, as a public utility institution, plays an active role in local and regional cultural life, promoting the dynamism of plastic arts. It regularly organizes temporary exhibitions that explore other artistic expressions, such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography, and different forms of craftsmanship. Its program also includes the realization of workshops, such as printmaking workshops, where the institution was a pioneer in the municipality of Alijó. The foundation also supports artistic creation through scholarships or residencies.

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