Museu do Calçado
Museum in the former Oliva factory in São João da Madeira, on the history of the footwear industry and footwear design, with designer shoes and artworks.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museu do Calçado (Footwear Museum), in São João da Madeira, was born in the former building of the company OLIVA, a heavy metalworking factory founded in 1925 that became mainly associated with sewing machines. The factory also produced farm implements, stoves, irons and many other pieces of equipment. The building was reinvented with new functions, preserving the memory of the company and its workers.
The museum is dedicated to the memory of the footwear industry in São João da Madeira and to footwear design in Portugal in the 20th century, also pointing to technological and creative paths for the 21st century. It aims to be a space for learning and experimentation, in contact with the local community and with those who worked in the sector, from factory workers to designers.
The long-term exhibition is divided into five areas: traditional craftsmanship, industrial production, a journey through time tracing the evolution of the shoe from prehistory to the late 20th century, shoes created by designers from around the world with stories of remarkable footwear, and works by Portuguese and foreign artists inspired by the shoe.
Highlights
- Route from traditional craftsmanship to industrial footwear production
- Evolution of the shoe from prehistory to the 20th century
- Shoes by designers from around the world
- Contemporary artworks inspired by the shoe
- Building of the former Oliva factory
Permanent exhibition
- Do ofício à arte – Percurso do calçado – Route through five areas on the history of footwear production, from traditional and industrial manufacture to the evolution of the shoe, contemporary design and art inspired by the shoe.
- Founded
- 2016
- Operated by
- Município de São João da Madeira
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.50Senior audiences and holders of the Cartão Sénior Municipal (municipal senior card), Cartão Jovem and Cartão Jovem Municipal (50% discount on the standard admission) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 12 · Children up to 12 enter free when they are not part of school, company or institutional visits. |
| Seniors | €1.5050% discount, with proof. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with a disability of 60% or more, with one companion when essential for the visit. |
| Groups (5+ people) | –Guided visit at €4 per person (groups of at least 5 people); special prices for schools, IPSS, tour operators and over-65s. |
| Guided visit (groups of at least 5 people) | €4 |
| Two-space ticket (with the Museu da Chapelaria, Centro de Arte Oliva or Turismo Industrial), free admission | €4 |
| Three-space ticket, free admission | €5 |
Free admission: Sunday mornings
The €3 admission includes the temporary exhibitions. There are combined tickets with the Museu da Chapelaria (Hat Museum), the Centro de Arte Oliva and Turismo Industrial. Free admission also for natives and residents of São João da Madeira, former workers in the footwear industry, donors of pieces to the museum, schools in the municipality and other groups listed in the price list.
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
All areas of the museum are accessible to people with reduced mobility, by ramps or lift. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 12 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Stroller-friendly
The programme “Dos 0 aos 100” (From 0 to 100) offers, once a month on a Saturday, a guided visit with a workshop, free and with prior registration. During school holidays, the programme “CULTURando por aí…” is aimed at children aged 5 to 12. Pushchairs are welcome.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
The museum has a free car park. From Porto, there are bus connections to the São João da Madeira Transport Coordination Centre, according to the museum.
Get directionsAmenities & 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 |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The education service organises guided tours, thematic visits, resident workshops and workshops for groups and schools; guided tours are booked in advance with the museum. |
