A newly restored and expanded museological facility has been unveiled at the historic Edifício Carneiro adjacent to the castle in Abrantes, in the district of Santarém. The extensive project, which required an investment of 2.5 million euros, marks the completion of a strategic initiative to establish a comprehensive network of museums within Abrantes, as announced by Manuel Jorge Valamatos, the local municipality’s president.
In his remarks, Valamatos emphasized, “This is a requalified historic building that throughout its life has hosted various activities and now connects to the Castle Garden. The new MAC is the final piece that completes the cluster of museum spaces in Abrantes,” referencing its integration with the Iberian Museum of Archaeology and Art (MIAA), the Duarte Ferreira Metallurgical Museum, and the Almeida Pantheon.
The inauguration of the MAC will also enable the municipal gallery to be freed up for showcasing the work of local and regional artists, a space previously serving as a “laboratory” for the new museum. Valamatos highlighted the launch as significantly boosting the region’s cultural offerings, claiming that from Saturday, Abrantes will have a highly attractive array of cultural structures serving both the local community and the nation.
The museum will exhibit the artistic contributions of sculptor Charters de Almeida both inside and outside the establishment. The facility includes a multifunctional auditorium with 63 seats and 17 interior galleries, some of which will host permanent and temporary exhibitions.
The project is part of broader urban regeneration efforts — focusing on municipal heritage recovery — and aims to enhance the cultural, recreational, and educational tourism appeal of Abrantes. Valamatos expressed that this approach serves to differentiate the locale as a key cultural destination.
Addressing delays related to the project’s implementation, which received approval in May 2017, Valamatos acknowledged it as a “lengthy process,” citing factors such as the pandemic, international conflicts, inflation, and recruitment challenges for skilled labor that led to schedule adjustments.
The MAC features works from the early phase of Charters de Almeida’s career, predominantly bronze sculptures. It also contains a series called “Sundials,” crafted from polished marble with metal components, and a collection titled “Imaginary Cities,” comprising public space interventions utilizing materials like steel, marble, granite, and reinforced concrete.
The surrounding outdoor area of the historic Edifício Carneiro has been landscaped to facilitate an open-air exhibition path leading to the Castle Garden, integrating with the fortress and surrounding zones.
Sculptor Charters de Almeida generously donated a significant portion of his collection to the municipality. Known for his large-scale works, such as the “Imaginary Cities,” which can reach heights of up to 40 meters, his creations are internationally exhibited. Born in Lisbon in 1935, de Almeida’s education includes sculpture studies at the Porto Fine Arts School, with numerous accolades in global competitions. His work is featured in various museums, foundations, and private collections around the world.
The undertaking was awarded to Tecnorém with a budget of 2.5 million euros, benefiting from a European community subsidy of 2.3 million euros, with an initial completion timeframe set at 720 days.
