Museu Nogueira da Silva
Museum in the former house of Nogueira da Silva, on Avenida Central in Braga, with painting, sculpture and decorative arts from the 15th to 20th centuries and a historic garden.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museu Nogueira da Silva arose from the bequest of António Augusto Nogueira da Silva to the University of Minho, made between 1975 and 1977. A philanthropist, businessman and collector from Braga's commercial and financial bourgeoisie, who made his fortune by founding the Casa da Sorte in 1933, he left his house with its garden and his collection of painting, sculpture and decorative arts.
The building, designed by the architect Raul Rodrigues de Lima, was built between the 1950s and 1960s for representation purposes and to host major social events. It stands on Avenida Central and extends into a large garden in the French and Italian style, a green space in the city centre.
The collection brings together ceramics, furniture, goldsmith work, glass and tapestry, as well as painting and sculpture from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Among the most emblematic pieces are a very rare painted Italian cassone from the 15th century, classified as a movable asset of national interest, ivory pieces and Chinese porcelain. In the garden there are ceramics by Jorge Barradas, 18th-century panels of Dutch tiles, fountains and sculptures, such as a 19th-century copy of Bernini's Apollo and Daphne. Beside the Casa do Chá, a small space evokes the Braga writer Maria Ondina Braga. The museum also holds photographic archives of great value and has belonged to the Rede Portuguesa de Museus since 2004.
Highlights
- Painted Italian cassone of the 15th century, a movable asset of national interest
- Painting, sculpture and decorative arts from the 15th to 20th centuries
- Chinese porcelain and ivory pieces
- Garden in the French and Italian style with Dutch tiles and sculptures
- Space dedicated to the writer Maria Ondina Braga
- Audio guides in Portuguese and English
Permanent exhibition
- Coleção permanente do Museu Nogueira da Silva – Painting, sculpture, ceramics, furniture, goldsmith work, glass and tapestry from the 15th to 20th centuries, displayed in the former house of the collector, with a historic garden.
- Founded
- 1977
- Operated by
- Universidade do Minho
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.50 |
| Espaço Maria Ondina Braga | €1 |
Payment by card only. Free admission under certain conditions. Access to the garden and to the temporary exhibitions is free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Café
The Casa do Chá, in the garden, operates from April to December.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (PT, EN) |
| Good to know | For independent visits there are audio guides in Portuguese and English and room sheets in the exhibition spaces. Guided group visits require booking at least 15 days in advance. |
