Museu Pio XII

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1957 by Canon Luciano Afonso dos Santos, professor and rector of the Seminário Conciliar de Braga, to display his collections of archaeology and sacred art. He named it after Pope Pius XII and set it up in the seminary building, in the former Campo de Santiago.

The building was the Colégio de São Paulo, built in 1531 and handed over to the Jesuits between 1560 and 1756; it became a diocesan seminary in 1882. In 1968, archaeological soundings in the cloister revealed a Roman building, which strengthened the museum's link to the history of the ancient Bracara Augusta. In 1984 the Museu Henrique Medina was created from the painter's bequest to the Archdiocese of Braga; it is now integrated into the Museu Pio XII circuit as an art gallery. The remodelling inaugurated in 2002 also brought the Medieval Tower, the Torre de Santiago, one of the towers of Braga's medieval walls.

The collections include archaeology (daggers, ceramics, a dolium, coins, menhirs, milestones and sarcophagi) and sacred art, with sculpture from the 14th century onwards, painting, liturgical textiles and goldsmith work, such as chalices and monstrances. The museum is part of the mission of the Instituto de História e Arte Cristãs of the Archdiocese of Braga.

Highlights

• “Uma Luz brilhou nas trevas” (“A light shone in the darkness”), permanent exhibition of archaeology and sacred art
• Henrique Medina Gallery with portraits, Minho landscapes and drawings
• Medieval Tower (Torre de Santiago) with a late Baroque oratory
• Gallery of the Archbishops
• Collection of goldsmith work and sacred sculpture from the 14th century onwards

Permanent exhibitions

• Uma Luz brilhou nas trevas – Permanent exhibition of archaeology and sacred art, with pieces from prehistory and the Roman period to religious sculpture, painting, textiles and goldsmith work.
• Galeria Henrique Medina – Five rooms with works by the portrait painter Henrique Medina: portraits, still lifes, Minho landscapes, nudes and drawings.
• Torre Medieval – The Torre de Santiago, part of Braga's old medieval walls, with a late Baroque oratory.

Founded

1957

Operated by

Arquidiocese de Braga – Instituto de História e Arte Cristãs

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission on International Museum Day.

The €4 ticket gives access to all spaces; €2 tickets can also be bought for each space. Temporary exhibitions normally cost €2, but some are free. Payment is by cash only.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Kids’ birthday parties

Pushchairs are allowed; the museum organises birthday parties and has an education service.

Getting there & parking

By car, from the A3 take exit 8 (Braga–Celeirós) and, from the A11, the Braga–Barcelos tolls; then follow the signs for the Estádio (stadium) and, after the roundabout at Braga Parque, take the first turning on the right.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check

Large bags, backpacks, umbrellas and musical instruments must be left at reception.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit