The Vila Real Museum of Archaeology and Numismatics opened on 30 October 1997 and has been open to the public ever since. It is an 18th century manor house that was restored by the Town Hall when it threatened to collapse as time went by. It’s a beautiful 18th-century building that has been occupied several times over the years.
This is a regional museum, since the region where it is located, Vila Real, is very rich in heritage remains and has a long history of archaeological research.
The main aims of creating this museum were cultural extension (by promoting outreach activities for the public, but especially for schools), inventorying and collecting the heritage entrusted to it and supporting research by providing access to the collections for study, as long as the safety conditions for that legacy are ensured.
You can find one of the largest collections of numismatics, as well as other archaeological remains collected by Father Parente. This space also has an educational service, which is complemented by a temporary exhibition area. In addition, the Documentation Centre is available to the general public, which includes various works in the areas of regional history, archaeology and numismatics, among many others.
This museum exhibits the Vila Real Town Hall Painting Collection, which includes works by authors related to Vila Real, such as Mello Júnior, Trindade Chagas, Albino Armando, Miguel Barrias and Heitor Cramez.
Address: Av. 1o de Maio 60, 5000-651 Vila Real
Website: museu.cm-vilareal.pt Telephone: 259 308 180
Price: Free
