Casa dos Patudos – Museu de Alpiarça

About the museum

The Casa dos Patudos was commissioned by José Relvas (1858–1929), farmer, politician and one of the great Portuguese collectors of his time. Relvas, who proclaimed the Republic from the balcony of the Lisbon City Hall on 5 October 1910 and served as Finance Minister of the Provisional Government, commissioned the architect Raul Lino to design the house in 1904. The work took place between 1904 and 1909. The house was conceived from the outset as the family residence and as a space for his art collection, with much of the furniture and the tiles designed specifically for each room. The name comes from the ducks that lived in the ponds and flooded fields of the estate.

By will, drawn up in 1928, José Relvas bequeathed the estate, the house, the art collection, the library and the archive to the Municipality of Alpiarça, on condition that the residence be kept as a museum and retain the name Casa dos Patudos. The museum opened on 15 May 1960.

The collection brings together some 8,000 pieces, from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. Portuguese painting is represented by Silva Porto, José Malhoa, Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro and Constantino Fernandes, alongside works from foreign schools. There is also porcelain from Sèvres and the Companhia das Índias, azulejos, bronzes, tapestries, ceramics by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro and one of the largest collections of 18th-century Arraiolos rugs. The house also keeps a specialised library in History and Art History and a historical archive.

Highlights

• House designed by Raul Lino and built between 1904 and 1909
• Paintings by Silva Porto, José Malhoa and Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro
• One of the largest collections of 18th-century Arraiolos rugs
• Azulejos, porcelain and ceramics by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro
• José Relvas' library and historical archive

Permanent exhibition

• Coleção de José Relvas – Guided visit through the rooms of the house designed by Raul Lino, with paintings, porcelain, furniture, azulejos and Arraiolos rugs assembled by José Relvas.

Founded

1960

Operated by

Município de Alpiarça

Admission & discounts

Adults aged 18 to 64: €5.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The education service runs cultural and educational activity programmes. A family ticket is available.

Getting there & parking

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Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop with publications, postcards, replicas and pieces by contemporary artists.

Events & venue rental

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Plan your visit