On Saturday 13 April, the Soares dos Reis National Museum will mark one year since the opening of the new long-term exhibition and the consequent full reopening to the public of the country’s first art museum.
Following a refurbishment that led to the partial closure of the Soares dos Reis National Museum for three years, the new long-term exhibition was inaugurated in April 2023, bringing together the most important collection of 19th century Portuguese art.
A total of 1133 pieces tell the story of the museum and art, spread over 27 rooms.
The Soares dos Reis National Museum seeks to provide opportunities for new readings and new narratives, always valuing the cultural heritage it integrates and honouring the history to which it is heir.
The renewed long-term exhibition thus provides an overview of the Soares dos Reis National Museum in a narrative journey that intertwines with its history and the way the collections have been integrated, as well as with the artists represented here and their artworks.
Since its reopening, the Soares dos Reis National Museum has totalled around 86,000 visitors (60% national and 40% foreign), promoted eight temporary exhibitions and held around 700 mediation activities (visits, workshops, commented sessions, among others).
The Soares dos Reis National Museum is a leading cultural and artistic institution with an international collection, and a strategic action is underway to affirm the Museum as a place for constructing meaning from its collections, a place of belonging and identity, promoting reflection, creativity and contemporary critical thinking.
The Museum’s approach to the community has been consolidated through partnerships with external entities that are part of the cultural and social fabric of the city of Porto, allowing for community outreach activities, such as the ‘Other Places’, ‘Art & Health’ and ‘Neighbours’ programmes.
Over the last year, the Museum has managed to gather the support of several patrons, including the permanent support of the Dr José de Figueiredo Group – Friends of the Soares dos Reis National Museum.