Museu de Alberto Sampaio

About the museum

The museum occupies the site where, in the 10th century, the countess Mumadona Dias had a monastery built. In the 12th century the monastery gave way to a collegiate church (Colegiada), later dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, and during the reign of D. João I important extensions were carried out. Today the museum extends through the cloister and the former Casas do Priorado and do Cabido (Priory and Chapter House).

It was created in 1928 to house the artistic heritage of the defunct Colegiada and of other churches and convents in Guimarães, and was officially opened on 1 August 1931, with Alfredo Guimarães as its first director. The adaptation works were completed in 1935; in 1967 new spaces opened, including a lecture hall and rooms for temporary exhibitions, and between 1999 and 2004 the museum was remodelled.

The collection is mainly of local origin and sacred art, with goldsmith work, sculpture, painting, carved woodwork, ceramics and textiles. The goldsmith collection is among the best in the country and includes the Romanesque chalice of D. Sancho I, the image of Santa Maria de Guimarães and the Gothic altarpiece of gilded silver depicting the Nativity. The museum also holds the loudel (a quilted garment) that D. João I wore at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. The museum is part of the Museus e Monumentos de Portugal network and manages the Palacete de Santiago, a space for temporary exhibitions.

Highlights

• Loudel of D. João I, worn at the battle of Aljubarrota
• Gothic altarpiece of gilded silver depicting the Nativity, from the late 14th century
• Romanesque chalice of D. Sancho I and goldsmith collection
• Image of Santa Maria de Guimarães, from the 13th century
• Cloister and former Priory and Chapter House of the Colegiada

Permanent exhibitions

• Coleção permanente: ourivesaria, escultura, pintura, talha e têxteis – Route through the cloister and rooms of the former Colegiada, with medieval goldsmith work, stone and wooden sculpture, painting, Baroque carved woodwork, azulejos and liturgical vestments.
• Sala de Aljubarrota – Room showing the loudel of D. João I and the gilded silver altarpiece of the Nativity, linked to the victory at the battle of Aljubarrota.

Founded

1928

Operated by

Museus e Monumentos de Portugal

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Residents of Portugal can enter free on any day of the week with the Voucher 52 (52 days a year).

Free admission also for unemployed residents of the European Union, former servicemen, teachers and pupils on study visits, and other groups provided for, with proof and in some cases prior booking. The Voucher 52 does not apply to the “Museu à Noite”. Tickets can be bought online.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The building is old and listed and has no ramps or lifts: access to the main entrance and the rooms is by stairs only.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The education department offers school visits, themed tours, puppet theatre, shadow theatre, workshops and educational kits. Admission is free up to the age of 12.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the historic centre, next to the Praça da Oliveira. By car: from Porto via the A3 and A7, from Braga via the A11, from Lisbon via the A1, A3 and A7.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museum hosts events in its spaces; the conditions are set out on the “Cedência de Espaços” (Venue Hire) page of the museum's website.

Plan your visit