National Museum Soares dos Reis Museum

Address: Rua do Infante D. Henrique 68, 4050-297 Porto, Portugal

Website: https://museusoaresdosreis.gov.pt

Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00am-6:00pm, closed Mondays

Admission: €6-€8 (adult)

The National Museum Soares dos Reis is an art museum in Porto, Portugal, located in the city centre. It is named for the sculptor António Soares dos Reis and specialises in Portuguese fine and decorative arts.

The museum’s displays concentrate on sculpture, painting, ceramics, furniture and jewelry from roughly the 18th to the early 20th century. Galleries are installed within the historic palace rooms, giving visitors both collection displays and period interiors to view.

The museum takes its name from António Soares dos Reis and developed from national and municipal collections assembled in the 19th century. The collection has been displayed in the Palácio das Carrancas since the museum occupied that palace and the building has been adapted to house exhibitions and conservation facilities.

Sited in Porto’s historic centre, the museum occupies the Palácio das Carrancas close to central avenues and transport links. It sits within walking distance of other cultural sites and the Ribeira district along the Douro River.

• Namesake: Honours sculptor António Soares dos Reis, whose name was given to the national collection that focuses on Portuguese art.

What to See#

• Palácio das Carrancas (building): Housed in the 18th-19th century Palácio das Carrancas, a city palace that gives the museum its central location in Porto’s historic core.
• Galleries: Series of permanent galleries presenting Portuguese sculpture, painting, decorative arts and ceramics, with emphasis on 18th to early 20th century national art.

By metro: Take the Metro do Porto to São Bento station and walk (about 10-15 minutes) or take the historic tram lines toward the city center. By car: Central Porto streets can be narrow; use nearby paid parking and plan for a short walk.

• Check the schedule for temporary exhibitions; the museum's contemporary shows often contrast with its classical collection.
• Ask the front desk for the Portuguese art trail within the museum - a sequence of galleries that traces local schools and lesser-known Porto artists.
• Combine with a walk through the adjacent Jardins do Palácio de Cristal for the best riverside outlooks.