Museu da Cerâmica Caldas da Rainha
Discover Portugal's rich ceramic heritage in a stunning 19th-century manor house, featuring Bordalo Pinheiro's art and beautiful gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Museum opens, fewer crowds
Museu da Cerâmica Caldas da Rainha
Best Time
Museum opens, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Portugal's rich ceramic heritage in a stunning 19th-century manor house, featuring Bordalo Pinheiro's art and beautiful gardens.
"A beautiful museum with incredible pieces, housed in a former palace with lovely gardens."
🎯 Arrive after 2 PM
The museum opens its doors in the afternoon, so plan your visit accordingly for the best experience.
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Enjoy a low admission fee that offers great value for exploring a rich collection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bordalo Pinheiro's Masterpieces
Permanent Collection
Discover iconic ceramic works by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, a master of Portuguese decorative arts.
The Manor House
Museum Building
Explore the stunning 19th-century manor, a gem with tiled walls, fireplaces, and unique gargoyles.
Tranquil Gardens
Museum Grounds
Wander through the lovely, treed grounds surrounding the museum for a peaceful escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Embrace the Art & History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive after 2 PM
The museum opens its doors in the afternoon, so plan your visit accordingly for the best experience.
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Enjoy a low admission fee that offers great value for exploring a rich collection.
🌳 Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the beautiful, treed grounds surrounding the manor house for a peaceful stroll.
🖼️ Discover Local Art
Immerse yourself in the history of Portuguese ceramics and admire works by local artists. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive after 2 PM
The museum opens its doors in the afternoon, so plan your visit accordingly for the best experience.
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Enjoy a low admission fee that offers great value for exploring a rich collection.
🌳 Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the beautiful, treed grounds surrounding the manor house for a peaceful stroll.
🖼️ Discover Local Art
Immerse yourself in the history of Portuguese ceramics and admire works by local artists.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Museu da Cerâmica for its well-preserved collection of Portuguese ceramics, particularly the works of Bordalo Pinheiro. The beautiful 19th-century manor house and its surrounding gardens are frequently highlighted as significant attractions, offering a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing experience. The low admission fee adds to its appeal as a worthwhile visit.
"Beautiful museum extremely well preserved. The history of the tradition of ceramics in this city is well documented and the pieces exposed are incredible. The house itself, a former palace, is a gem, with beautiful gardens. Really worth to visit when in town."
Ana Lucas
"We decided to visit this little museum on a whim because it was raining one day. We were pleasantly surprised by the collection. Housed in a historical manor, and surrounded by garden. Worth the visit if you’re in the area!"
John Patterson
"Manor house with three floors, displaying old and modern, decorative and functional, ceramic pieces and some decorative glass items, as well as tiled walls and fireplaces. Note also the gargoyles on the building façade. Low admission fee. Lovely, treed grounds."
Laura Carolina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in the Quinta Visconde de Sacavém, in the Nossa Senhora do Pópulo parish of Caldas da Rainha. While public transport options might be limited directly to the museum, Caldas da Rainha is accessible by bus and train from major cities like Lisbon. From the town center, a taxi or a pleasant walk through the gardens can lead you there.
Information on specific parking availability can vary. It's advisable to check with the museum directly or look for public parking options in the vicinity of Caldas da Rainha if you are driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum typically opens in the afternoon, usually around 2 PM. It's always a good idea to verify the exact hours on their official website or social media before your visit, as they can change seasonally.
Admission fees are generally low, often in the range of 6-8 euros, making it an affordable cultural experience. Keep an eye out for potential free entry days or special promotions.
Tickets are usually available for purchase at the museum entrance. For specific group bookings or if you prefer to secure your entry, contacting the museum directly might be an option.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum houses an impressive collection of Portuguese ceramics, including works by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, as well as decorative glass items. You'll find both old and modern, functional and decorative pieces spread across three levels of the manor house. +1
The museum offers a visually engaging experience with its diverse ceramic pieces and the historic manor house. The gardens also provide a pleasant space for families to explore.
While not always explicitly advertised, some visitors have encountered knowledgeable guides who share their passion for the collection. Inquiring at the museum upon arrival might reveal tour options.
The museum is housed in a beautiful 19th-century manor, the Quinta Visconde de Sacavém, built by José Joaquim Pinto da Silva. It's a historical building in itself, featuring tiled walls, fireplaces, and unique gargoyles on its facade. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted in many museums, but it's always best to check for specific signage or ask museum staff. Flash photography is often restricted to protect the artifacts.
The ornate interiors of the manor house, the unique gargoyles on the facade, and the picturesque gardens offer excellent photographic opportunities. The ceramic pieces themselves also make for striking shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the indoor exhibits, the beautiful gardens provide a safe and pleasant space for children to run around and enjoy the outdoors. It's a great opportunity to introduce them to art and history in a relaxed setting. Consider making it a part of a larger day trip to Caldas da Rainha, perhaps combining it with a visit to the local park or thermal baths.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & History Buffs
+1The historical context provided by the 19th-century manor house further enriches the experience. Understanding the architectural significance of the Quinta Visconde de Sacavém and its connection to the arts adds another layer of appreciation. The museum's curators have done an excellent job of preserving and presenting these cultural assets.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Bordalo Pinheiro
+1Visitors can expect to see iconic creations that reflect Bordalo Pinheiro's keen observation of Portuguese life and culture. His famous "gargoyles" and animal figures are particularly noteworthy, often imbued with a sense of humor and character. Exploring these pieces offers a glimpse into the artistic spirit of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Portugal.
Beyond Bordalo Pinheiro, the museum's collection extends to include ceramics from other artists and periods, providing a broader context of the ceramic tradition in Caldas da Rainha and Portugal. This comprehensive approach ensures a rich and educational experience for all visitors interested in the art of ceramics.
+1A Manor House of History and Art
+1Inside, the manor boasts beautiful tiled walls, ornate fireplaces, and a layout that has been adapted to showcase the museum's extensive ceramic collection across three floors. The exterior is equally captivating, notably featuring distinctive gargoyles that add a touch of gothic charm to its facade.
Surrounding the manor are lovely, treed gardens, offering a serene environment for visitors to relax and reflect after their museum exploration. This combination of historical architecture, artistic exhibits, and natural beauty makes the Museu da Cerâmica a truly multifaceted destination.
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