Imagine stepping back in time. You are entering the world of Antnio de Medeiros e Almeida at the Museu Medeiros e Almeida. This museum is one of Portugal’s most important private decorative arts collections. It was gathered by a businessman, collector, and benefactor.
The Museu Medeiros e Almeida is located in Medeiros e Almeida’s former Lisbon residence. This late 19th-century manor has two distinct areas. The residential area remains as it was during the collector’s life. The new wing, on the site of the former garden, recreates 18th-century French interiors.
Inside the Museu Medeiros e Almeida, notice how different decorative elements blend harmoniously. Chinese ceramics sit alongside Portuguese and French furniture. Dutch and Flemish paintings adorn the walls. Watches, jewelry, textiles, and silverware add to the rich tapestry. Even fans find their place in this eclectic mix.
The Museu Medeiros e Almeida boasts twenty-seven rooms. They hold around two thousand works of art. Furniture, paintings, sculptures, and textiles fill the spaces. Jewelry, ceramics, fans, and sacred art add to the collection’s diversity. The objects span from the second century BC to the 20th century.
Medeiros e Almeida had an eclectic taste. Four main collections stand out within the Museu Medeiros e Almeida. One is one of Portugal’s most important clock collections. Another features porcelain Chinese ceramics. A large and unique silverware collection also impresses. Finally, a collection of decorative fans delights visitors.
Highlights of the Museu Medeiros e Almeida include Chinese Art. A set of Han and Tang dynasties mingqi burial vessels intrigues. Seven Ming dynasty porcelain vessels made for the Portuguese market catch the eye. A Qing dynasty imperial vase with auspicious decoration stands out. Two Qing dynasty nefrite chime stones are also notable. A rare Kangxi period Coromandel lacquer screen captivates.
The Clocks and Watches collection features a mid-17th century Gdansk amber hourglass. A night clock by English royal clockmaker Edward East fascinates. An 1807 pocket watch once belonging to French general Junot draws attention. A 1900 Grand Rgulateur grandfather clock impresses.
Furniture highlights include Louis XIV bureaus Mazarin by Andr-Charles Boulle. Rocaille commodes by Antoine Criaerd entice. A vernis-Martin commode attributed to Pierre Roussel pleases. A writing table by John Webb also stands out. The Mars Venus cabinet created for the Universal Exhibition of Paris in 1900 captivates.
Paintings in the Museu Medeiros e Almeida include The Halt by Jan Brueghel. The Tax Collector by Pieter Brueghel the Younger intrigues. Old Man with a sword by Gian-Domenico Tiepolo impresses. Still Life by Jan Davidsz de Heem fascinates.
The former residence entrance features a small but imposing flight of marble stairs. It opens to a central corridor. The corridor connects the main reception rooms. It also provides access to the upper floor. The entrance gallery displays oils on wood by Jan van Goyen.
The dining room is preserved in its original 19th-century British style. The mahogany dining table is set for twelve. Silver dinner service by Paul Storr and gold-decorated crystal glasses adorn the table. Chinese porcelain dinner services are displayed in a glass-paneled cupboard.
The old scullery now displays the Portuguese and British silver collection. The British silversmith highlight is the set of Paul Storr tableware vessels. The most important Portuguese item is the tea and coffee service by Antnio Firmo da Costa.
In his office, Medeiros e Almeida read books and art magazines. He broadened his knowledge and found artworks to complete his collection. Portraits of Medeiros e Almeida, his wife Margarida, and other family members hang here.
The building itself dates back to 1896. It is located in a central area of Lisbon. The 19th-century Parisian-like design fits the surrounding architecture.
In the mid-1960s, Medeiros e Almeida decided to bequeath his collection to his country. He ordered the construction of a new wing in the garden. The museum opened its doors on June 1, 2001.
Medeiros e Almeida’s wife died in 1971. The couple were childless. They donated their property and collection to the Medeiros e Almeida Foundation. The foundation runs the Museu Medeiros e Almeida.