Machado de Castro National Museum
Coimbra
The Machado de Castro National Museum, located in Coimbra, Portugal, is a distinguished art museum named after the renowned Portuguese sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro. Established in 1913, it occupies the historic former Bishop's Palace, built over the Roman forum of Aeminium, whose underground Cryptoporticus remains are accessible to visitors. The museum underwent a major renovation and expansion between 2004 and 2012, including a new building designed by architect Gonçalo Byrne, which won the Piranesi/Prix de Rome Prize in 2014. Its collections are vast and varied, focusing heavily on sculpture-the most extensive in any Portuguese national museum-alongside significant holdings in painting, precious metals, ceramics, and textiles. Notable artworks include medieval religious sculptures, Renaissance altarpieces, and paintings by artists such as Quentin Metsys and Josefa de Óbidos. The museum is part of the UNESCO World Heritage designated University of Coimbra area. The blending of Roman archaeological remains with medieval and modern architecture creates a unique cultural experience that spans over two millennia of history and art.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. The museum offers discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Exploring the Cryptoporticus early in the visit provides a captivating introduction to the museum's ancient roots. The museum's new building includes a café and restaurant, perfect for breaks during the visit.
Interesting facts
- •The museum is built atop the Roman forum of Aeminium, with the Cryptoporticus-an underground gallery from the 1st century-still intact and accessible to visitors.
- •The new museum building, opened in 2012, won the prestigious Piranesi/Prix de Rome architectural award in 2014.
- •It houses the most extensive sculpture collection among all Portuguese national museums.
- •The museum includes a Mozarabic door, a rare architectural feature from the period after Coimbra's reconquest from the Moors.
- •The former Bishop's Palace is classified as a National Monument since 1910.
- •The museum is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of University of Coimbra - Alta and Sofia since 2013.
History
The museum was created by decree in 1911 and opened to the public in 1913, initially focusing on national artistic evolution and education.
It was elevated to national museum status in 1965.
The building itself, the former Bishop's Palace, dates back to the Middle Ages with origins possibly as early as the 11th or 12th century, incorporating a medieval gate and a Mozarabic door.
The museum closed for extensive renovations in 2006 and reopened in 2012 with expanded facilities, integrating the Roman Cryptoporticus and a modern architectural extension designed by Gonçalo Byrne.
Since 2013, it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage site encompassing the University of Coimbra.
Place Guide
Roman Cryptoporticus1st century
A vast underground gallery dating from the mid-1st century AD that supported the Roman forum of Aeminium. It was also used to store food due to its cool, light-protected environment. Visitors can explore this remarkable archaeological site beneath the museum, gaining insight into Roman urban life.
Former Bishop's Palace11th-18th centuries
The medieval palace that houses the museum, originally built between the 11th and 18th centuries with multiple renovations. It features a medieval gate with a pointed arch and a Mozarabic door integrated into the museum building. The palace is a National Monument and contains exhibition rooms, multimedia spaces, and temporary exhibitions.
New Museum Building2012
Designed by architect Gonçalo Byrne and inaugurated in 2012, this modern extension connects with the Cryptoporticus and the Bishop's Palace. It hosts the majority of the museum's collections including sculpture, painting, and precious metalwork. The building also features a café and restaurant with an outdoor terrace.
Contact
Phone: 239 853 070
