MUSEU DE ARTES DECORATIVAS PORTUGUESAS
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Museum-school of decorative arts with a collection of traditional arts, having 18 workshops of conservation and restoration.
Housed in the elegant 17th-century Palácio Azurara in the old Alfama district, the Museum of Decorative Arts is decorated in the style of a period aristocratic home. The palace was bought by Ricardo Espírito Santo, a banker and collector, to house part of his private collection. In 1953, he donated the Azurara palace and part of his private collection to the Portuguese state. This led to the creation of the foundation of the same name, which is both a museum and a school, with 18 conservation and restoration workshops, playing a key role in disseminating and maintaining the intangible heritage of Portuguese know-how. Restored by architect Raul Lino, the palace boasts a superb collection of traditional arts, mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries. The tour takes in the various rooms of the palace, recreating the intimacy of a home from this period: bedrooms, dining room, offices, showcase room... During the stroll, visitors can admire magnificent furniture with Asian and African influences. Note the marquetry and painting on wood. Portuguese furniture, azulejos, earthenware, silverware, textiles, goldsmith's and silversmith's work, paintings and porcelain from the 16th to the 19th century: a condensed history of Portuguese decoration and furnishings presented on site. Don't miss the oriental-influenced embroidery and superb tapestries by Arraiolos.
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