What if these walls could talk? They would tell tales of kings and artists, of war and revolution. We are standing before the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis. It is more than just a museum. It is a journey through Portuguese art and history.
The Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis is the oldest public museum in Portugal. It is also the most famous in Porto. Founded in 1833 by King Peter IV, it safeguarded art from abandoned convents.
Initially called the Museu Portuense, it honored sculptor António Soares dos Reis in 1911. The Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis obtained his collection and took his name.
Look at the Carrancas Palace. This imposing structure houses the museum today. It was built in 1795 for the Morais e Castro family. They were wealthy from their gold and silver yarn factory.
Renowned figures lived here. Jean-de-Dieu Soult, Duke of Wellington, and Pedro I of Brazil all resided within these walls. The building witnessed key historical events. During the Peninsular War, Marshal Soult occupied it. Later, the Duke of Wellington used it as his headquarters.
King Pedro IV governed from here during the Siege of Porto in 1832-1833. Later, King Pedro V bought the palace. It became the Royal Palace of Porto.
Imagine the royal family celebrating here. The Maria Amélia Velodrome was inaugurated in 1894. It offered new sports like velocipede racing and lawn tennis.
In 1937, the State acquired the Carrancas Palace. It was the perfect place for the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis. The museum moved here in 1942.
Inside the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, discover a vast collection. It mainly focuses on 19th and 20th-century Portuguese art. Admire paintings, sculptures, furniture, metalwork, and ceramics.
See works by Domingos Sequeira and Vieira Portuense. Discover Auguste Roquemont and Miguel Ângelo Lupi. António Carvalho de Silva Porto and Marques de Oliveira are also featured.
Don’t miss the sculptures by Soares dos Reis. His “O Desterrado” made him famous. Also, admire his “Conde de Ferreira” and “Flor Agreste”.
The museum displays works by Soares dos Reis’ disciples. See “Infância de Caim” by António Teixeira Lopes. Admire “Ismael” by Augusto Santo.
In 2001, Fernando Távora remodeled the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis. New spaces were added for exhibitions and education. The museum continues to evolve.
Before you leave, take a moment in the gardens. Find tranquility and reflect on the art you have seen. The Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis offers a rich experience. It connects art, history, and culture. It leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Remember the name: Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis. It represents Porto’s artistic soul.