Soares dos Reis National Museum Porto
Portugal's first public art museum, housed in a neoclassical palace, showcasing Portuguese sculpture, painting, and applied arts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more art immersion
Soares dos Reis National Museum Porto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more art immersion
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Portugal's first public art museum, housed in a neoclassical palace, showcasing Portuguese sculpture, painting, and applied arts.
"A glimpse into Portuguese painting, sculpture, and architecture with beautiful gardens."
⏳ Skip the Line
Consider booking tickets online to save time, especially during peak seasons. :admission_tickets:
👟 Garden Stroll
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the two beautiful gardens. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Camellia Garden
Lower Garden
A tranquil retreat with vibrant camellias and stunning azulejo-tiled walls. A peaceful escape.
Portuguese Sculpture Collection
Exhibition Halls
Admire works by António Soares dos Reis, Portugal's celebrated sculptor. Artistry across eras.
Palácio dos Carrancas
Museum Building
Explore the neoclassical mansion, a former noble residence, showcasing Portuguese architecture.
Upper Garden Ruins
Upper Garden
Discover intriguing stone ruins, remnants of the palace's past, offering a unique ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Art & Serenity
Embrace the Gardens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Skip the Line
Consider booking tickets online to save time, especially during peak seasons. :admission_tickets:
👟 Garden Stroll
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the two beautiful gardens. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Beauty
The gardens and palace interiors offer fantastic photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
💰 Under 25 Discount
If you're under 25, inquire about potential discounts on admission. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Skip the Line
Consider booking tickets online to save time, especially during peak seasons. :admission_tickets:
👟 Garden Stroll
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the two beautiful gardens. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Beauty
The gardens and palace interiors offer fantastic photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
💰 Under 25 Discount
If you're under 25, inquire about potential discounts on admission. :moneywithwings:
🛋️ Rest Stops
Limited seating is available, so be mindful if you need frequent breaks. :chair:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Soares dos Reis National Museum to be a worthwhile visit, appreciating its historical significance as Portugal's first public art museum and the beauty of its palace setting. The gardens are frequently highlighted as a peaceful escape. However, some reviews mention concerns about maintenance and curation, suggesting room for improvement in presentation.
"This is Portugal’s first public art museum, originally founded in 1833 by King Pedro IV as the Museu Portuense (Museum Portuense). It was renamed in 1911 following the donation of works by the celebrated sculptor António Soares dos Reis. Since 1942, the museum has been housed in the Palácio dos Carrancas (Carrancas Palace), a neoclassical mansion built in the late 18th to early 19th century, which once served as the residence of Portuguese nobility and foreign military commanders. Between 1992 and 2001, the museum underwent major renovations to modernize and expand its exhibition areas. The palace’s original layout was designed by Joaquim da Costa Lima Sampaio, while the renovation was led by the Fernando Távora architectural studio. Today, the museum houses a diverse collection of over 18,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, glassware, metalwork, textiles, furniture, and jewelry. It places particular emphasis on the art of Soares dos Reis and on Portuguese painting and sculpture from the 19th and 20th centuries."
Seokjin Ham
"A nice sized museum that gives you a glimpse into Portuguese painting, sculpture and architecture. There are two gardens that are worth spending time in. The one on the lowest floor features camellias and beautiful tiled walls. The one on the top floor was once a velodrome and now showcases many stone ruins brought to the site from different parts of the city"
Maria Garcha
"It's definitely worth the money.
You get a discount if you are under 25, I didn't know that, so nice surprise.
On the ground floor are temporary exhibitions, we didn't do those because we didn't have time.
We did do the other two floors, which were very pretty.
As far as I know, there are only a few seats at the entrance and on the top floor, so if you often need to rest, be sure to keep this in mind."
Loeka Lemmens
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Porto. You can easily reach it by public transport, including buses and the metro. Several metro lines stop within walking distance of the museum. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Parking in the city center can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transportation or consider a taxi/ride-share. If you drive, look for public parking garages nearby, though they can be expensive.
Yes, the Soares dos Reis National Museum is within walking distance of many popular Porto attractions, making it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing.
For first-time visitors, taking the metro to a central station and then enjoying a short walk is often the most straightforward and enjoyable way to reach the museum.
Utilize Porto's efficient public transport system. The metro is a great option, and many lines will bring you close to the museum's vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum typically opens around 9 am and closes by 6:30 pm, but it's always best to check the official website for the most current hours, as they can vary and the museum might be closed for events.
Admission fees are generally reasonable, and there are often discounts available, such as for visitors under 25. Checking the official website for current pricing is recommended.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is a good idea to potentially skip lines and ensure entry, especially during busy periods.
The museum often features temporary exhibitions on its ground floor. These may require separate tickets or be included in the general admission, so it's worth checking what's on during your visit.
Guided tours are often available and can provide deeper insights into the palace's history and the art collections. Inquire at the museum or check their website for tour schedules and languages.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the collection of Portuguese sculpture, particularly works by António Soares dos Reis, and explore the beautiful Camellia Garden and the unique upper garden with its stone ruins. 
A visit can range from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your interest in art and whether you explore the temporary exhibitions and gardens thoroughly.
While primarily an art museum, the beautiful gardens and the grand palace architecture can be engaging for older children. The history and art might be more appreciated by teens.
Seating is limited, primarily found at the entrance and on the top floor. If you require frequent rest, be prepared for this.
This neoclassical mansion, built in the late 18th century, is a significant historical building that once housed nobility and military commanders before becoming the home of the museum.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most areas, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artworks. Always check for specific signage.
The Camellia Garden with its tiled walls and the architectural details of the Palácio dos Carrancas are highly photogenic. The upper garden ruins also offer unique shots.
Yes, photography is typically allowed in the gardens, allowing you to capture the natural beauty and the interplay of art and nature.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in or around cultural heritage sites like national museums due to safety and preservation concerns.
The museum encourages visitors to capture the beauty of the art and architecture for personal memories, often sharing these on social media with relevant hashtags.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1For families with older children or teens interested in art and history, the museum provides a good introduction to Portuguese culture. The sculpture collection, especially works by António Soares dos Reis, can be a focal point. Consider focusing on the visual aspects of the art and the stories behind the palace to keep younger visitors engaged.
🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts
The setting in the Palácio dos Carrancas adds a layer of historical context, allowing you to immerse yourself in the ambiance of a former noble residence. The diverse applied arts collection, from ceramics to textiles, offers a comprehensive look at Portuguese craftsmanship. Don't overlook the unique gardens, which provide a beautiful, tranquil environment to complement your art exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Portuguese Art History
The museum's setting within the Palácio dos Carrancas adds another layer of historical significance. This neoclassical mansion, dating back to the late 18th century, was once a hub for Portuguese nobility and foreign dignitaries. The architecture itself is a testament to the era, offering a grand backdrop for the diverse artworks housed within. The recent renovations have modernized the exhibition spaces while preserving the palace's original charm.
Beyond paintings and sculptures, the museum's collection extends to applied arts, including ceramics, glassware, metalwork, and textiles. This comprehensive approach provides a holistic view of Portuguese artistic expression across various mediums and historical periods. The museum's commitment to preserving and showcasing this rich cultural legacy makes it a vital stop for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The Enchanting Gardens of Soares dos Reis
+1Ascending to the upper level reveals a different kind of charm: the Upper Garden, which once served as a velodrome. This area now showcases a collection of stone ruins thoughtfully brought to the site from various locations across Porto. These remnants of the city's past create a unique, almost contemplative atmosphere, offering a striking contrast to the formal elegance of the palace and the lower garden.
These gardens are more than just decorative spaces; they are integral parts of the museum experience. They offer visitors a chance to connect with nature, appreciate different forms of artistic expression (from tiles to architectural fragments), and enjoy moments of quiet reflection amidst the bustling city. The interplay between the historical architecture, the art within, and the beauty of the gardens makes a visit to the Soares dos Reis National Museum a truly multi-faceted experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit