Casa-Estúdio Carlos Relvas
Nineteenth-century photographic studio in Golegã, built by Carlos Relvas between 1871 and 1875 and now a museum with guided visits.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Casa-Estúdio was designed by Carlos Relvas (1838–1894), an amateur photographer and landowner from Golegã, and built between 1871 and 1875 on the former Quinta do Outeiro, which belonged to the Relvas family. The building was designed to meet the demands of photographic art at the time and is regarded as a rare monument from the early phase of the history of photography in Portugal and in the world.
The building has two floors. On the ground floor were the work rooms, the laboratories and the rooms for preparing negatives. On the first floor was the photographic gallery, with the models' make-up area and large glass panels set in an iron and glass frame, which supported curtains to regulate the light, moved by a system of ropes and pulleys. The gallery contained furniture, accessories and large painted canvases of landscapes that served as backdrops.
Between 2003 and 2007 the building underwent careful restoration, which returned it to its original layout and to public use. The Casa-Estúdio is owned by the Municipality of Golegã. The visit, always guided, includes an audiovisual presentation on Carlos Relvas and the history of the studio.
Highlights
- Photographic studio built between 1871 and 1875
- Glazed gallery with an iron and glass structure on the first floor
- Laboratories and work rooms on the ground floor
- Audiovisual presentation on the life and work of Carlos Relvas
- One-hour guided visits
Permanent exhibition
- Casa-Estúdio de Carlos Relvas – Guided visit to the 1871–1875 photographic studio, with the glazed gallery, the laboratories and an audiovisual presentation on Carlos Relvas.
- Founded
- 2007
- Operated by
- Município da Golegã
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6.27 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3.14Cartão Jovem youth card holders (aged 12–25), students, teachers in active service, people over 65, pensioners and municipal employees |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 12 · Free admission for children aged 3 to 12. |
| Seniors | €3.14People over 65 and pensioners. |
| Students & apprentices | €3.14Students and teachers in active service; Cartão Jovem youth card (aged 12–25). |
| Groups (21+ people) | –10% discount for groups of more than 20 people; booking by email. |
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Animals are not admitted, except guide dogs.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 12 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
The education service offers workshops, playful educational activities, treasure hunts, educational games and holiday activities, by advance booking. An activity book and a colouring book are available online.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography and filming are not permitted inside. |
| Good to know | Visits are always guided, in one-hour slots, and include an audiovisual presentation. Group visits are booked by email. The documentation centre can be consulted from Wednesday to Friday, by appointment. |
