Museu José Malhoa

José Malhoa Museum

The José Malhoa Museum was the first building to be designed for museum purposes in Portugal and features collections of painting, sculpture and ceramics from the 19th and 20th centuries. The institution also holds the largest collection of works by José Malhoa, an artist from the city of Caldas da Rainha who, through his naturalistic works, invites visitors to this Museum to get to know popular (and unique) figures from Portugal.

Located in Caldas da Rainha, it reopened to the public on December 20, 2023, after having closed for extensive re-qualification work, with the main objective of improving infrastructure and conditions for visitors.

In addition to the works of the artist who grants it its name, the collection of the José Malhoa Museum includes works by Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, Columbano, Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, Delfim Maya, among other artists. Adding up to the long-term exhibition, several temporary exhibitions are held, establishing a link between this museum and contemporary themes and artists.

Classified as a Property of Public Interest in 2002, the José Malhoa Museum has rooms of impressive dimensions, with natural lighting. Its first architectural project dates back to 1940 and was designed by Paulino Montês and Eugénio Correia.

The collection goes beyond the limits of the building and includes an exhibition of sculptures in Park D. Carlos I, where the Museum is located. Among the trees and gardens of the Park, visitors can admire works by several artists and generations, such as Leopoldo de Almeida, Leonor de Albuquerque Bettencourt and João Fragoso.

To boost collections and temporary exhibitions, this museum offers assorted cultural activities, such as guided tours, concerts, lectures or film screenings. The institution also has a library, with more than five thousand volumes, specialised in Portuguese art and culture.