Castelo Branco's Manuel Cargaleiro Museum
The Cargaleiro Museum, housed in the eighteenth century building Solar dos Cavaleiros, displays a remarkable body of work donated by the Manuel Cargaleiro Foundation. The public can see and enjoy work done by the famous Manuel Cargaleiro including paintings, ceramics, sculpture and tapestry. The museum is not only a place where the public can view the work of this renowned artist, it is also a place that holds work by some of the most prestigious national and international authors. Currently, the city hall of Castelo Branco in the Centro de Portugal Region is expanding the building to receive and expose more of Cargaleiro’s work. Architect Amplianção Celia Anica designed the project, which opened in 2011.
All Aboard: Exploring Portugal's National Railway Museum in Entroncamento
Set on the main line north of Lisbon, Portugal, the Portugal’s National Railway Museum (Museu Nacional Ferroviário) in Entroncamento offers a world class journey through more than 160 years of the country's rail history. Spanning 4.5 hectares with 19 railway lines, this museum houses one of Europe's most extensive collections of railway heritage, featuring around 36,000 artifacts, including historic locomotives, carriages, and railway equipment.
Entroncamento is a key rail junction and the museum which celebrates the city’s unique legacy. Though the city has diversified economically, the railway still defines its character — visible in its layout, architecture, and community spirit.
A Railway Journey Through Time
The museum's extensive collection showcases the evolution of rail transport in Portugal, from the first steam locomotives to modern electric trains. Highlights include the Royal Train and the Presidential Train, both meticulously preserved and open for exploration.
Interactive Exhibits for All Ages
Beyond static displays, the museum offers interactive experiences suitable for visitors of all ages. Children and adults alike can enjoy the scale model train rides and the railway driving simulator, providing hands-on insights into train operations. The museum also features augmented reality exhibits and themed tours, enhancing the educational experience.
Planning Your Visit
Location: Rua Eng.º Ferreira de Mesquita Nº1 A, Entroncamento, Portugal
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM); closed on Mondays and certain holidays.
Admission: Ticket prices vary, with discounts available for children, students, seniors, and families. And there is a discount if you arrive by train!.
Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible and equipped with facilities for visitors with special needs.
Getting There
Entroncamento is well-connected by train, making the museum easily accessible from major cities including Lisbon and Porto. The museum is just a short walk from the Entroncamento Railway Station, following clearly marked signs.
Olive Oil Museum: Portugal's newest museum is dedicated to the history of olive oil production
The Museum of Olive Oil just opened to the public in the Portuguese village of Bobadela, near Oliveira do Hospital. It tells the story of the production of olive oil from Roman times to the present.Set in the village of Bobadela, Centro, the museum has an extensive collection, which features unique pieces collected by António Dias.The museum opened to the public at the beginning of December and is a space dedicated entirely to the history of olive oil production (grinding, pressing and decanting) from Roman times - about two thousand years ago - to the contemporary period . The exhibition route is made by several rooms dedicated to each of the periods. http://www.museudoazeite.com
Check out the Match Museum in Tomar
Got a light? If not, no problem! Just check out the Match Museum in Tomar. This place ignites your interest with 43 thousand +blue matchbooks, from 122 countries. The collection, began in 1953 by Aquiles de Mota Lima, is today managed by the city of Tomar and housed in the historic convent of St. Francis. The Museu dos Fosforos is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free admission. But, no smoking!
Bank of Portugal’s new Money Museum
Where once safes full of money were, now rises in what remains of an ancient altar. Where previously cars were parked, is now a restored 18th century church. Opening in Lisbon on April 20th, the Bank of Portugal’s new Money Museum or “Museu do Dinheiro.” It is set in the ancient Church of São Julião, right in the heart of Lisbon.
The 34 million euros investment, resorted by architects Gonçalo Byrne and João Pedro Campos Falcão, will offer a multipurpose space that can host concerts or exhibitions. The museum will be a door to financial literacy, and will not be a "contemplative" museum, but an interactive space, which will be told the history of money and exchanges in the world.
Undercover the Past: The church was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake and the building served as a warehouse of the Bank of Portugal. The real surprise was that under the church archaeologists found the remains of a city wall from the time of King Dinis in the 13th century. This slowed the restoration, as the wall was turned into a new exhibit, was where the foot in from the 18thcentury building, showing the creative design used post-earthquake to be sure new building could withstand another quake.
During the excavations were found more than 100 000 ceramic fragments from the Roman and Islamic periods, and still a vestige of the 16th century Royal Palace of the Ribeira, who was lean against the wall. And when they raised the floor of the church worked found and exhumed more than 300 bodies.
For more information visit:www.museudodinheiro.pt/