Casa-Museu Marta Ortigão Sampaio

Did Marta Ortigão Sampaio ever imagine that her modernist home, the Casa-Museu Marta Ortigão Sampaio, would one day become a window into Portugal’s artistic past? Marta never actually lived in this elegant house. It was designed in 1958 by José Carlos Loureiro after her husband passed away. Marta continued to live in nearby Matosinhos, eventually bequeathing the Casa-Museu Marta Ortigão Sampaio and its impressive collection to the city of Porto in 1978. Stepping inside is like walking into a time capsule of the Portuguese bourgeoisie from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Casa-Museu Marta Ortigão Sampaio houses a fascinating collection of furniture, jewelry, and decorative arts, reflecting Marta’s impeccable taste and family heritage. The art collection here is a testament to Marta’s passion for Portuguese art. You’ll find works by renowned naturalist painters such as Silva Porto and Carlos Reis. The real treasures, however, are the paintings by Marta’s aunts, Aurèlia de Souza and Sofia Martins de Souza. These artists, prominent figures in Portuguese art, are showcased in dedicated rooms within the Casa-Museu Marta Ortigão Sampaio, offering an intimate look at their artistic journey. The jewelry collection is a sight to behold. Comprising nearly 300 pieces dating from the 17th to the 20th century, it includes finely crafted gold pieces by Northern Portuguese artisans and shimmering jewels from faraway Brazil. It’s one of the largest private jewelry collections in Portugal. As you explore the Casa-Museu Marta Ortigão Sampaio, you’ll be transported back to a time of elegance and artistic fervor in Porto. This house, although never truly lived in, stands as a testament to a family’s legacy, a woman’s love for art, and a bygone era captured within these walls.