National Tile Museum

National Tile Museum is guardian of Portuguese artistic expression

Originally founded in 1965 and transformed into the Tile Museum in 1980, the National Tile Museum finds shelter in the historic Madre de Deus Convent, an institution dating back to 1509, founded by Queen D. Leonor.

The building has undergone changes over the years, notably with the introduction of several restoration campaigns. Among its notable features are the 16th century Mannerist Cloister, the Church that displays notable sets of paintings and ornamental tiles, the Sacristy where an imposing wooden cabinet from Brazil rests, accompanied by intricate carvings involving paintings. We can't forget the loud choir, decorated with a profusion of gilded carvings, and the Chapel of Saint Anthony, whose baroque decorations from the 18th century and numerous canvases by the painter André Gonçalves steal the gaze.

The Museum plays a fundamental role in sharing the history of Azulejo in Portugal. Not just invoking past, also works tirelessly to raise awareness in society about the urgent need to protect an artistic form that is distinctively Portuguese, and which has global resonance – the Tile.

The comprehensive collection of National Tile Museum encompasses the evolution of tile production from the mid-15th century to the present day. In addition to this rich representation of the tile, the collection also includes notable examples of ceramics, porcelain and earthenware, dating from the 16th to the 21st centuries. Right at the beginning of the permanent exhibition, Visitors are welcomed by a small exhibition center that concisely illustrates the materials and techniques involved in the manufacture of tiles over time. From this succinct introduction, the expository journey unfolds in a sequential organization, guiding visitors through a chronological journey that reveals the continuous evolution of these art forms throughout history.