Things to do›Museums & Galleries
Museums & Galleries in Caldas da Rainha
From the naturalist painting of José Malhoa to Bordallo Pinheiro’s ceramics and contemporary art, a city where art is part of everyday life.
Photo: GoCaldas
Caldas da Rainha has more museums than most cities of its size. In a short walk around the centre you can see the paintings of José Malhoa in Parque D. Carlos I, ceramics from the 17th century to Bordallo Pinheiro, the story of the world’s first thermal hospital and five free spaces in the Arts Centre dedicated to the city’s sculptors and painters. Here is where to start.
Free things to do in Caldas da Rainha
Museums with free entry, free events all year round, the Bordaliana Route and the Óbidos Lagoon: the best of Caldas without spending a cent.
Learn more →
Visit these museums
11 places
José Malhoa Museum
Opened in 1940, the first building in Portugal designed as a museum, with Malhoa’s paintings and Bordallo Pinheiro’s Passion of Christ.
Hospital and Caldas Museum
In the old Royal Palace since 1999, it tells the story of the Thermal Hospital, including the 1512 Book of Commitment signed by Queen Leonor.
Ceramics Museum
A 19th-century mansion and garden full of tiles, with Caldas ceramics from the 17th century to Maria dos Cacos and Bordallo Pinheiro.
Free admissionCycling Museum
In an Art Nouveau building with “Caldas green” tiles, historic bicycles tell the story of the sport, plus temporary exhibitions.
Free admissionLeopoldo de Almeida Museum
80 sculptures and 50 drawings by the sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida (1898–1975), from a collection donated by his heirs.
Free admissionBarata Feyo Museum
Opened in 2004 in a modern building by the artist’s son, with portraits, public statues and religious sculpture by Salvador Barata-Feyo.
Free admissionJoão Fragoso Atelier-Museum
Opened in 1994, it follows the three phases of the Caldas-born artist João Fragoso: figurative, abstract and minimalist.
Free admissionAntónio Duarte Atelier-Museum
Opened in 1985 with works donated by António Duarte himself: painting, sculpture, drawing and sacred art.
Free admissionEspaço Concas
Dedicated to the painter Maria da Conceição Nunes (Concas), who taught in Caldas, with works donated by her family.
Bernardo Museum
Opened in 2007 by Pedro Bernardo, it shows the PBernardo Association’s collection and Portuguese and international contemporary artists.
Free admissionCasa Bernardo
The PBernardo Association’s second space, with contemporary art, cinema and music since 2009.
See Caldas da Rainha with a local guide
Hear the stories behind the Thermal Hospital, the Queen and Bordallo Pinheiro’s giant ceramics on a guided walk.
Frequently asked questions
Which museums in Caldas da Rainha are free?
The five spaces of the Arts Centre (Espaço Concas, the João Fragoso and António Duarte atelier-museums, the Barata Feyo Museum and the Leopoldo de Almeida Museum), the Cycling Museum and Casa Bernardo have free admission. Check current conditions before your visit.
What is the most important museum in Caldas da Rainha?
The José Malhoa Museum, in Parque D. Carlos I. Opened in 1940, it was the first building in Portugal designed specifically to be a museum.
Where can I see Bordallo Pinheiro’s work?
At the Ceramics Museum, in a 19th-century mansion with a garden full of tiles and sculptures, and at the José Malhoa Museum, which displays his great work The Passion of Christ.
How long do I need to visit the museums?
The main museums are close to each other in the centre. You can see two or three in a morning and the Arts Centre in an afternoon.
More about Caldas da Rainha
- Free things to do in Caldas da Rainha
- Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro in Caldas da Rainha
- José Malhoa, the naturalist painter
- Thermal Hospital at Caldas da Rainha
- One day in Caldas da Rainha
Opening hours and prices can change. Please check with each museum before your visit. Photo: GoCaldas.