Almeida Moreira House Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viseu > Viseu > Viseu > Bairro da Balsa

Location

The Almeida Moreira House Museum is located in the city of Viseu, in the area known as Bairro da Balsa. It is situated on Rua Soar de Cima, in a central and historic area.

The building is set on a slightly inclined plot of land, with its main facade facing the Jardim das Mães and Praça da República, also known as Rossio.

The Legacy of Almeida Moreira

The building that now houses the House Museum was the residence of Captain Francisco António de Almeida Moreira (1873-1939). A multifaceted figure, he was a military officer, a professor, and, notably, the founder of the renowned Grão Vasco Museum, also in Viseu.

In his will, Almeida Moreira expressed the wish to bequeath his house, along with his vast personal collection, to the city of Viseu. He intended for this space to be transformed into a cultural house museum, open to the public, thus safeguarding his collection and the history of the house.

The Building and its Architecture

The house was designed by the renowned architect Raul Lino, dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. It features an irregular plan and a set of roofs with different inclinations, which gives it a distinct appearance.

The facade is painted in a striking blue hue and enriched with friezes and panels of tiles from different periods (15th, 17th, and 19th centuries). Also noteworthy is a chimney decorated with sponged tiles and the inscription marking the year 1925 ("ANNO DOMINI MCMXXV").

The House Museum Collections

The interior of the House Museum preserves the personal collection that Francisco António de Almeida Moreira amassed. This collection is quite diverse, reflecting his cultural and emotional interests.

Here you will find his vast library, comprising over five thousand volumes. The contents also include antique furniture, porcelains, and a significant art collection, with paintings by renowned Portuguese artists such as Silva Porto, Marques de Oliveira, José Malhoa, and Columbano. Ceramics hold a special place, particularly with the representation of national faience.

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