The Foundation:The Medeiros e Almeida Foundation was created in 1973, it was named after its founder who donated to his country the house - where he lived for 30 years - and the art collection that he gathered during his lifetime. The aim of the Foundation is to study, conserve and divulge the artworks The asset of the Foundation includes pieces of different collections; Watches and Clocks, China Porcelain, Painting, Furniture, Silversmith/Jewelry, Sculpture and Textiles in a total of circa 9.000 pieces, being 2.000 on display in 26 rooms.
The Benefactor:
António Medeiros e Almeida
was born in Lisbon, in September 1895, the son of João Silvestre de Almeida and Maria Amélia de Medeiros e Almeida, both from the Azores. In 1916 he goes to Coimbra to study medicine - both his father and brother Gustavo were doctors. By the last year he abandoned the medical school and went to Germany to study economics. Two years later, in 1924, he returns to Lisbon and marries Margarida Castelo Branco Pinto Basto, the daughter of the owners of the famous porcelain factory; Vista Alegre. Soon he became a successful businessman, ranging all kind of businesses. A few years later he said that he was (...) responsible for the management of 21 companies, all giving profits (...)" 
The House:
The house was built in 1896 by a Lisbon lawyer; Augusto V. dos Santos, it stays in the family until 1921 when it is sold to Eduardo Guedes de Sousa, who adds the two last floors. In 1927 it is sold to the State of the Vatican, to house the Nunciature, represented by Monsignor Pedro Ciriaci, Tarso's Archbishop. In 1943 the house is bought by Mr. Medeiros e Almeida who moved, after some works of renovation. In the early 70's, with the creation of the Foundation, the building is enlarged, creating a new wing built in the site of the garden, in order to house the Museum. Mr. Medeiros e Almeida and his wife move next door, to a new house where he lives until his death in 1986.
The Collection:
Along with his business activities, António Medeiros e Almeida dedicated himself to buying works of art, at first to decorate his new house, but collecting became more like a passion. From the post-war period, he dedicates more to the collection being a frequent visitor to the most famous auction houses in Europe and America and contacting with private collectors all around the world. The antique dealers were offering him interesting pieces and good opportunities; soon he is known as one of the great art collectors of his time. Mr. Medeiros e Almeida's wish was to gather an eclectic collection, both valuable and coherent that turned in one of the most important art assets in Portugal, which he later donated to his country.
Visitor information:
Address:
Rosa Araújo Street, 41 1250-194 Lisbon
Tel: +351 21 3547892
Fax: + 351 21 356 19 51
Email: geral@fundacaomedeirosealmeida.pt
www.fundacaomedeirosealmeida.pt
Opening Hours:
From Monday to Friday from 1p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5.30p.m.
Closed on Sundays and the following holidays: 1st January, Holy Friday, 1st May, 24th and 25th December.
Tickets desk closes at 5 p.m.
Prices:
General:
5 € Young (10-16): 3 €
Children up to 9: Free
Over 65: 3 €
Saturdays from 10.00 a.m. to 13.00 p.m.: FREE
Guided Tours: 6 € Morning Guided Tours (from Monday to Friday): 9 € Annual Fee: 50€
Room Hiring:
Some Museum rooms are available for hire to perform events such as business dinners, brunches, meetings and seminars. The events can take place from Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 12 a.m. and from 5.30 p.m. on. Saturdays from 5.30 p.m. on Sundays are available all day. Guided tours for the events on request For further information, please call (00 351)21 354 78 92
