The museum is constructed directly on top of a 1st-century AD Roman cryptoporticus, a network of underground corridors designed to support the forum of Aeminium.
The collection includes a rare series of 16th-century terracotta sculptures from the Coimbra School of Sculpture.
The 2012 renovation by Gonçalo Byrne won the AICA Architecture Award.
The museum site has served as the Bishop's Palace of Coimbra since the 12th century.
It preserves a 14th-century calvary cross made of silver and wood, considered one of the most important pieces of medieval Portuguese goldsmithing.
The cryptoporticus remains one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the Iberian Peninsula.
The National Museum Machado de Castro is built over the remains of the Roman cryptoporticus of Aeminium, which visitors can explore beneath the building. It occupies the former Episcopal Palace in Coimbra, reflecting architectural layers spanning from the 1st century to the 21st century. The museum is named after the renowned Portuguese sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro. Its core collection centers on sacred art, sculpture, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. The site is a National Monument of Portugal. An award-winning expansion by architect Gonçalo Byrne was completed in 2012, blending historic stone structures with modern minimalist design. It houses one of the most significant collections of religious statuary in the country. The museum also maintains an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts recovered from excavations in Coimbra. Its cloister provides a direct connection between the museum and the Old Cathedral of Coimbra.
The terrace overlooking the city and the courtyard of the cloister.
Prioritize the underground Roman galleries, as they are a unique architectural experience rarely found in other museums.
Combine your visit with the neighboring Old Cathedral (Sé Velha) since the two sites are interconnected.
Check the museum website for temporary exhibition updates as these often occupy the newer wing.
Skipping the underground Roman level, which is the site's most distinctive archaeological feature.
Closed on Mondays and major public holidays.
Maintain a quiet tone; photography is generally permitted without flash.
