Porto is an open-air showcase of great cultural and patrimonial scope, in all its picturesque scenery, the sepia colors, the baroque tiles and volumetry, the charm of the rabelo boats and the centuries-old Port wine cellars.
But indoors, Porto also holds a great wealth in its monuments, and in this article in particular, in its museums.
Serralves Museum
The Serralves Museum is not just a museum; the set of museum and park that attracts countless people, not only those interested in the theme of the museum but also those who want to enjoy good moments in a surprising natural atmosphere, like reading a book or having a picnic.
Here we find works of contemporary art, by national and international artists. Also for Art Deco lovers, the Serralves House is an obligatory stop.
Soares dos Reis Museum
It’s the first museum opening to public in the country. Today, housed in the Carrancas palace, this museum was created on the initiative of King Pedro IV, with the intention of preserving and safeguarding the heritage rescued from the civil war between liberals and absolutists in the 19th century.
Painting, sculpture, furniture, glassware and textiles, the decorative arts feature prominently in this museum's heritage.
The tramcar Museum
Here we discover the history of urban transport in Porto, on rails.
A vast collection of tramcars of various models and provenances that appear in the late nineteenth century: from trailers to steam engines, we know the evolution of mechanics and structures that goes until the 60’s. For lovers of these elegant carriages that once paraded through cities, there are many curiosities to discover as well as many beautiful models, a trip back in time not to be missed.
WOW – world of Wine
More than a museum, Wow is a cultural quarter with an inspiring landscape, located on the Vila Nova de Gaia side, where we discover some museums:
The Wine experience - From the wine production process, the explanation about the grape varieties in the regions of Portugal to discovering aromas and flavors in the tastings, here you learn - and live experiences.
The Chocolate Story - Being one of the most popular products in the world it has its own prominent place where you learn more about its production, origins and history.
Pink Palace - A little further away from this set, it is also an experience “aside”: it provides an extravagant way to learn about rosé wine - and to taste it as well.
Planet Cork - In an interactive way we discover cork: a product of great tradition and national commitment, here you learn the whole process from the stripping of the cork to the production of various articles (including corks!)
The Bridge Collection - A museum with archeological artifacts and a large collection of finds from antiquity to the present day.
Porto Region across the Ages - It tells the story of the Porto region, its people, traditional and cultural elements, even expressions that originated here.
Atkinson museum - restored and adapted as a museum, this house hosts the Tate exhibition "The Dynamic Eye", a collection of modern and contemporary art.
Hall of Biodiversity – Ciencia Viva Center
In this space dedicated to Biology and Natural History, we discover thousands of specimens: mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, minerals, rocks, among many others; for explorers, scholars, or those who marvel at the nature around them, it is a place to discover - and your visit may even coincide with one of the several temporary exhibitions the center also hosts.
World of Discoveries
To know the history of the Discoveries in an interactive way, is to learn in a fun way because we take part in history - this museum reproduces the scenarios, offers guided tours with a dynamic that allows access to available documentation and to experience this great adventure that transformed the world.
Museums keep history and the cultural elements and traditions that characterize a people; but that culture extends more and more and dialogues with us, making museum visits something each time more exciting, something that we become a part of as soon as we enter the discovery.
