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Museu Escola de Artes Decorativas da Fundação Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva
Rua do São Tomé 90About
A veritable treasure trove of Portuguese, French and English furniture dating from between the 15th and 18th centuries and displayed in period settings awaits the visitor to this remarkable museum of decorative arts. Housed within the 17th-century Azurara Palace in the city's Alfama district and occupying several rooms, the magnificent collection also encompasses textiles, silverware, porcelain, azulejos (tiles), painting, drawing and sculpture. Star exhibits include an 18th-century Portuguese dressing table made from pau-santo, a Brazilian hardwood, and inlaid with ivory and sliver. The pieces form part of the private collection of Ricardo Espírito Santo Silva (1900-1955), a Portuguese banker who bequeathed the artefacts to a foundation he set up to promote national and international culture and artistic heritage. Neigbouring the palace are specialist workshops for traditional crafts such as gilding, bookbinding, upholstery and gold beating, and a museum shop. Guided tours must be booked in advance. © NileGuide2011 Housed in a hold city mansion known as the Azurara Palace (17th century, unknown author). Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva bought it in 1947 and ordered its restoration to Raul Lino (founder member of the National Art Academy and its president in 1967) to decorate it as an aristocratic house of the XVIII century with a fascinating collection of his own. In 1953, the Ricardo Espírito Santo Foundation and the Museum School of Portuguese Decorative Arts was born - 15 workshops of many other decorative arts. Guided visits to the Museum and the Workshops can be organized by appointment (minimum 10 people). Art bookshop, library/data bases and a shop. Cafeteria/restaurant with esplanade. Temporary exhibitions, conferences and concerts.
