Museu dos Biscainhos

About the museum

The Palácio dos Biscainhos is one of the most remarkable examples of Portuguese residential architecture. Its evolution spans the 17th and 18th centuries and extends into the 19th century, with important interventions in the interiors, especially in the azulejos, painting and sculpture. In the 17th century it belonged to Constantino Ribeiro do Lago, followed in the next century by his children, from whom the Counts of Bertiandos descend.

The building was acquired in 1963 by the Assembleia Distrital de Braga (Braga District Assembly) and, after restoration works, opened to the public as a museum in 1978. Today it is part of Museus e Monumentos de Portugal. The complex includes the palace and the gardens, the latter with 18th-century architecture and sculpture, organised on several terraces: the terreiro, the formal garden, the orchard, the vegetable gardens, the enclosure of the walls and the square of the dovecote (largo do pombal).

The palace has two levels. On the ground floor are the covered courtyard of honour, the stables, the coach house and the kitchen; on the noble floor are the state rooms, such as the monumental staircase, the grand hall, the music room, the room of azulejos and the dining room. The building itself is the main piece of the visit and serves as the setting for collections of art, decorative arts, musical instruments and means of transport.

Highlights

• Monumental staircase with Joanine azulejos
• Covered courtyard of honour, a rare example of its type
• State rooms with painted ceilings and stucco
• Baroque gardens with a tulip tree about 300 years old
• Collections of decorative arts, sculpture and means of transport

Permanent exhibition

• Palácio e coleções permanentes – Route through the palace spaces, with azulejos, painting, devotional sculpture, decorative arts, musical instruments and means of transport.

Founded

1978

Operated by

Museus e Monumentos de Portugal, E.P.E.

Director

Fátima Pereira Rolim

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Residents of Portugal have free admission on 52 days a year (Acesso52), on presentation of their NIF (tax number).

The standard ticket of €7.50 includes the palace and the gardens. There are free admissions for specific audiences, in accordance with the legislation in force.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• 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 mediation programme includes accessible guided tours, such as “Descobrir os Sentidos” and “Empurrão Cultural”.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum offers workshops such as “Há Animais no Museu” and guided visits with a workshop, by prior registration.

Getting there & parking

The palace is in the historic area, between Campo das Hortas and Campo da Vinha, where direct vehicle access may be restricted.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

In summer there is a garden library.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Rental of spaces and of the auditorium, according to the rules of Museus e Monumentos de Portugal.

Plan your visit