Museu Convento dos Lóios

About the museum

The Convento dos Lóios (Convent of the Lóios) was born from the wish of the 3rd Count of Feira, D. Manuel Pereira, but it was his son, Diogo Forjaz Pereira, and his wife, D. Ana de Meneses, who carried the foundation through. The necessary concessions were confirmed in 1550, the first stone was laid in 1560 and, six years later, the secular canons of São João Evangelista, known as the Blue Canons (cónegos azuis), already had a church and a habitable convent. The chapel-mor (main chapel) was built later by D. Inês de Castro, the Count's granddaughter.

With the extinction of the religious orders, in 1834, the building passed to the Câmara Municipal in 1836 and had several uses: a theatre in the former refectory (from 1877), the judicial district prison (1907–1944) and, after 1938, public offices, registry offices and a court, until 1992.

The municipal museum originates in the Biblioteca-Museu Municipal (Municipal Library-Museum), created in 1938 and opened in 1940. It moved into the convent in 1992 and, after remodelling works, the complex fully reopened in 2014. It is the hub of the Rede Municipal de Museus de Santa Maria da Feira (Municipal Museum Network of Santa Maria da Feira) and presents the heritage of the municipality, with sections on archaeology, history and ethnography.

Highlights

• Former convent of the secular canons of São João Evangelista
• Permanent exhibition with sections on archaeology, history and ethnography
• Sala António Joaquim, with works donated by the artist
• Collections of archaeology, fine and decorative arts and ethnology
• Audio guides in Portuguese and English

Permanent exhibition

• Exposição de longa duração – Presents the history and heritage of the municipality in sections on archaeology, history and ethnography, from the origins of humankind to the Terra de Santa Maria, and includes the Sala António Joaquim.

Founded

1938

Operated by

Município de Santa Maria da Feira

Admission & discounts

The resident rate requires the cartão de eleitor (voter card) of the Biblioteca Municipal de Santa Maria da Feira. Price list approved at a meeting of the Câmara on 26 August 2024.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

Full accessibility in the public areas for people with reduced mobility: reserved parking in front of the museum, a lift, an access ramp, wide circulation spaces, rest areas and adapted toilets. Audio guides are available in Portuguese and English, compatible with hearing aids and with audio description; visits can be conducted in Portuguese Sign Language (LGP). Only assistance animals are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities

The education service organises educational workshops and guided visits; there is also an educational kit. The museum has a toilet with a baby-changing table.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

The shop sells publications and catalogues. Bags and large objects must be left at reception.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit