Museu Dr. Joaquim Manso
Ethnographic and archaeological museum in the Sítio da Nazaré, in a former holiday house, on the identity of the region and its relationship with the sea; reopened in September 2026.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum opened to the public in 1976, in the former holiday house of Dr Joaquim Manso, writer and journalist who founded the Diário de Lisboa. The Nazarene benefactor Amadeu Gaudêncio had donated the house to the State for this purpose in 1968. The first core of the collection was assembled in the 1960s and 1970s by a group of friends of the Museu da Nazaré, and it grew through donations, purchases, deposits, bequests and archaeological campaigns.
The museum seeks to represent the historical and cultural identity of the Nazaré region, with a focus on the culture of the sea. The route includes prehistoric, Roman and early Christian archaeological material, a sculpture of São Sebastião from the late 15th century, references to the Pederneira, a former medieval town and an important port and shipyard, and iconography of the Miracle of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré.
Maritime ethnography is the dominant strand, with miniatures of traditional Nazaré boats, painting and sculpture of the town and its people, photographs by Álvaro Laborinho and traditional costume in working, festive and mourning versions. After about ten years of closure and requalification works, the museum reopened on 8 September 2026, Municipality Day, in the year it turns 50, under provisional management by the municipal council.
Highlights
- Miniatures of traditional Nazaré boats
- Traditional Nazaré costume: working, festive and mourning dress
- Photographs by Álvaro Laborinho, from the first half of the 20th century
- Iconography of the Miracle of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré
- Limestone sculpture of São Sebastião, from the late 15th century
- Garden with maritime equipment and traditional boats
Permanent exhibition
- Coleção permanente do Museu Dr. Joaquim Manso – Archaeology of the region, iconography of the Miracle of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, miniatures of boats, painting, sculpture, photography and costumes showing the relationship of Nazaré with the sea.
- Founded
- 1976
- Operated by
- Município da Nazaré
Admission & discounts
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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