National Museum Soares dos Reis in Porto [Location and Review]

The National Museum Soares dos Reis is well worth visiting to see Portuguese art and learn more about the artistic culture of Portugal!

What is the Museum Soares dos Reis?

LOCATION: Rua de Manuel II, 44

TRANSPORTATION ACCESS: Bus, lines 200, 201, 207, 208, 302, 501, 507, 601

STATUS: Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10AM to 6PM

RATING: 4/5

António Soares dos Reis, the patron of this museum, was a Portuguese 19th-century sculptor. This museum houses many of his pieces but also features paintings, ceramics, jewelry, etc. Some of Soares dos Reis’ Museum highlights are O Desterrado (statue by Soares dos Reis), Desposórios de Santa Catarina (painting by Josefa d’Óbidos), Autorretrato de Aurélia de Sousa (self-portrait by Aurélia de Sousa), and the Namban Screen.

My personal favorite has to be Filha dos Condes de Almedina, the statue of the girl with a basket of flowers you can see above. I also love the naturalist paintings, especially Silva Porto’s.

Is Museu Soares dos Reis Worth It?

Yes, Even though this museum rarely makes the “top 10 places to see in Porto”, I think it really should. It’s a really lovely palace full of great art, perfect for a quiet morning away from the lines of Livraria Lello and Majestic Café. If you want to get to know Portuguese art, this is the perfect place to start!

Where is Museu Soares dos Reis?

Soares dos Reis Museum is located in Massarelos, near Palácio de Cristal. There typically is no line to enter the museum, however you should be able to find it easily.

How to get to Museu Soares dos Reis [Transport Access]

Soares dos Reis Museum is about 20 minutes away from the closest metro stations (Carolina Michaelis and Aliados), so the best way to get there is to take the bus.

The lines you can take from the historic center of the city are 200, 201, 207, 208 and 302. You should exit on the “Hospital de Santo António” stop. By then, you will have just passed a neoclassical building in shades of red, on your right. That’s the museum.

If you’re coming from outside the historic center (for example, on a bus that is labeled Campanhã, or Trindade) you can leave either at “Palácio” stop, or at “Hospital de Santo António”, since the distance is about the same.

Is the Museum Open? [Status]

Soares dos Reis Museum is open for visit from Tuesday to Sunday (except on January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st, June 24th, and Christmas Day). Although the museum closes at 6PM, 5:30PM is the last permitted entry time.

How Much is Museu Soares dos Reis?

Entry is 8€, but there are discounts for the following demographics: Children (up to 12 years old) – free; Youth (13-24) – 50% discount; Elderly (65+) – 50% discount.