Museu de Artes Decorativas Portuguesas

About the museum

The Museum of Portuguese Decorative Arts is housed in the Palácio Azurara, in Alfama, a building of 17th-century origin acquired by Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva to house part of his collection. The palace was restored with the collaboration of the architect Raul Lino, who turned it into an aristocratic residence in 18th-century style, and it has been a Property of Public Interest since 1993.

The collection was assembled mainly through purchases at national and international auctions, with the aim of “repatriating” pieces of Portuguese heritage. In 1953 Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva donated much of it to establish the Fundação Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva (FRESS), a foundation that promotes the decorative arts and the crafts linked to them. The project is also based on passing on know-how, with arts and crafts workshops and conservation and restoration workshops.

The visit covers decorative arts from the 15th to the 18th centuries, in rooms that recreate an aristocratic 18th-century setting. The displays include furniture, textiles, silverware, Chinese porcelain, Portuguese faience and azulejos, painting, drawing, sculpture and bookbinding.

Highlights

• 17th-century palace restored by Raul Lino
• Furniture, textiles and silverware from the 15th to 18th centuries
• Chinese porcelain, Portuguese faience and azulejos
• Rooms such as the Salão Nobre, the Sala D. José and the Sala dos Chavões
• Arts and crafts workshops and conservation and restoration workshops

Permanent exhibition

• Coleção de artes decorativas portuguesas – Decorative arts from the 15th to the 18th centuries in rooms with an aristocratic setting: furniture, textiles, silverware, Chinese porcelain, faience, azulejos, painting, drawing, sculpture and bookbinding.

Founded

1953

Operated by

Fundação Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva

Admission & discounts

Free admission also applies to members of ICOM and of the Portuguese museology association, journalists and tourism professionals on duty, institutional patrons and the Friends of FRESS group. Guided tours for groups require prior booking.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café

Courtyard, a space for a break inside the museum.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 80 guests.

Rental of spaces (Salão Nobre, Sala das Vitrinas, Sala D. José, Sala D. Maria I, Sala dos Chavões and Pátio Interior) for various types of events, with capacities between 8 and 80 people; written request at least 15 days in advance.

Plan your visit