MMIPO – Museu e Igreja da Misericórdia do Porto

About the museum

The MMIPO occupies the building on Rua das Flores that served as the seat of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto from the mid-16th century until 2013. Over the centuries the building underwent several changes, the most recent being its adaptation into a museum, which opened on 15 July 2015. The museum aims to make known the history of the institution and its purposes, and to publicise its art collections.

The route includes the Church of the Misericórdia, a 16th-century building that underwent a major intervention in the 18th century, between 1748 and 1754, led by Nicolau Nasoni, and the Benefactors' Gallery (Galeria dos Benfeitores), an example of the city's iron and glass architecture. Thematic rooms show, among other areas, goldsmith's work and liturgical vestments, the administration room and the church room.

One of the best-known pieces is the Fons Vitae, attributed to the Flemish painter Colijn de Coter and painted between 1515 and 1517. The panel is thought to have been commissioned in Flanders and is possibly the only work in which King Manuel I appears with the attributes of his political ideology. It has been displayed in the Misericórdia's office room since 1844.

Highlights

• Fons Vitae, Flemish panel from the early 16th century
• Church of the Misericórdia, remodelled by Nicolau Nasoni in the 18th century
• Benefactors' Gallery, in iron and glass
• Collection of goldsmith's work and liturgical vestments
• Casa do Despacho and Administration Room

Permanent exhibitions

• Percurso do museu: Casa do Despacho, Sala da Administração e Sala da Igreja – Rooms telling the history of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto and showing its art collections, including goldsmith's work and liturgical vestments.
• Fons Vitae – Flemish panel attributed to Colijn de Coter, painted between 1515 and 1517, with a portrait of King Manuel I.
• Igreja da Misericórdia e Galeria dos Benfeitores – 16th-century church remodelled by Nicolau Nasoni, and iron-and-glass gallery.

Founded

2015

Operated by

Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto

Director

Pedro Nunes

Admission & discounts

Porto Card ticket: €7. School visits: €3. Guided tours: €5.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

There are ramps at the entrance and to the Benefactors' Gallery (ground floor), a portable ramp to the church, a platform lift to the second floor, a lift, an accessible toilet with a baby-changing table, and rest benches. Wheelchairs are available at reception. The only area not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility is the church choir. Assistance dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Pushchairs are allowed and the museum has baby-changing facilities. Children aged 6 or under enter guided visits free of charge when accompanied by a family member.

Getting there & parking

GPS coordinates: 41.1443, -8.6129.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi. Bags, umbrellas and other large items can be left in a locker at reception. Museum shop; payment in cash and by Multibanco.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit