Best Museums & Art Galleries in Porto, Portugal

Porto, Portugal, Porto, Culture & Entertainment, Best Museums & Art Galleries

Best Museums & Art Galleries in Porto, Portugal

1. Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis

Houses the largest collection of Portuguese art, including works by Nuno Gonçalves and Grão Vasco.
  • Historic Building: Located in a beautiful 18th-century palace.
  • Permanent Collection: Offers a comprehensive overview of Portuguese art history.
  • Temporary Exhibitions: Regularly showcases contemporary and international artists.

2. Museu da Invencao

Explores the history of science and invention through interactive exhibits.
  • Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to actively engage with various scientific concepts.
  • Temporary Exhibitions: Features rotating exhibits on specific inventors or scientific discoveries.
  • Family-Friendly: Offers activities suitable for children and families.

3. Casa de Musica

A modern architectural marvel dedicated to music, featuring concerts, exhibitions, and workshops.
  • Architectural Masterpiece: Designed by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas.
  • Variety of Events: Hosts a wide range of music events, from classical to contemporary.
  • Educational Programs: Provides workshops and educational programs for the community.

4. Museu Romantico

Preserves the former home of the Marquises of Pombal, showcasing 18th-century Portuguese art and decorative arts.
  • Historic Home: Offers a glimpse into 18th-century Portuguese aristocracy.
  • Art Collection: Features works by artists such as Antonio Francisco Rodrigues and Manuel de Oliveira.
  • Guided Tours: Includes guided tours with an emphasis on the building's history and architecture.

5. Galeria de Arte Fernando Fonseca

Showcases contemporary Portuguese art in a historic townhouse.
  • Contemporary Art: Focuses on contemporary art from Portuguese artists.
  • Historic Building: Located in a beautifully restored 18th-century townhouse.
  • Temporary Exhibitions: Features temporary exhibitions and projects by emerging artists.

6. Museu do Holocausto Judaico de Portugal

Educates visitors about the history of Jews in Portugal and the Holocaust.
  • Historical Significance: Provides important historical insight into the Jewish community in Portugal.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits and testimonials from survivors.
  • Community Engagement: Offers workshops, lectures, and events related to Jewish culture and history.

7. Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporanea

Features contemporary Portuguese art and temporary exhibitions.
  • Contemporary Art: Focuses on contemporary art from Portuguese artists.
  • Temporary Exhibitions: Regularly showcases exhibitions by international artists.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and workshops for visitors.

8. Museu do Oriente

Explores the arts, cultures, and history of Asia through various exhibitions.
  • Cultural Exchange: Promotes cultural understanding between Portugal and Asia.
  • Temporary Exhibitions: Features rotating exhibitions on various aspects of Asian culture.
  • Interactive Experience: Includes interactive exhibits and educational activities for visitors.

9. Museu da Facao

Dedicated to the history of the Portuguese fighting knife, or facao.
  • Historical Artifact: Provides insight into the historical significance of the Portuguese facao.
  • Interactive Experience: Includes interactive exhibits and demonstrations on knife-making techniques.
  • Guided Tours: Offers guided tours in multiple languages.

10. Centro de Arte Contemporanea da Universidade do Porto

Showcases contemporary art exhibitions and promotes artistic research.
  • Contemporary Art: Focuses on contemporary art from Portuguese artists.
  • Research and Education: Promotes artistic research and education through workshops and seminars.
  • Temporary Exhibitions: Regularly showcases exhibitions by both established and emerging artists.

11. Museu da Facao de Peniche

Dedicated to the history of the fishing community in Peniche, featuring a large collection of facoes.
  • Historical Artifact: Provides insight into the historical significance of the fishing industry in Peniche.
  • Interactive Experience: Includes interactive exhibits and demonstrations on fishing techniques.
  • Guided Tours: Offers guided tours in multiple languages.

12. Casa do Infante

A medieval palace that offers a glimpse into the lives of the royal family during the reign of King John I.
  • Historic Building: Located in a beautifully restored 15th-century palace.
  • Art Collection: Features works by artists such as Nuno Gonçalves and Fernando Gallego.
  • Guided Tours: Includes guided tours with an emphasis on the building's history and architecture.

13. Museu Militar do Porto

Explores the military history of Porto through various exhibits.
  • Military History: Provides insight into the military history of Porto.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits and demonstrations on military equipment.
  • Guided Tours: Offers guided tours in multiple languages.

14. Museu de Arte Contemporanea de Azores

Features contemporary art exhibitions from Portuguese and international artists.
  • Contemporary Art: Focuses on contemporary art from both Portuguese and international artists.
  • Temporary Exhibitions: Regularly showcases exhibitions by established and emerging artists.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and workshops for visitors.

15. Galerias de Arte da Fundacao EDP

Showcases contemporary Portuguese art through various exhibitions.
  • Contemporary Art: Focuses on contemporary art from Portuguese artists.
  • Temporary Exhibitions: Regularly showcases exhibitions by both established and emerging artists.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and workshops for visitors.