The municipality of Leiria has invested approximately 2.5 million euros in modernizing its municipal museum, located in the Palácio Gorjão. This decision was made due to the museum’s outdated presentation, which faced exhibition and interpretative limitations aside from physical accessibility issues, according to the municipal chamber.
The Palácio Gorjão underwent refurbishment funded by the previous community framework with an investment of two million euros. An additional half a million euros were allocated for furniture, comprehensive accessibility features including elevators and ramps, more interactive and inclusive museum content, translations in various languages and Braille, as well as the restoration of collection pieces.
The city council aims to cover 85% of the content investment through community funds from Portugal 2030, aimed at consolidating and upgrading museum structures.
The municipality emphasized the thematic structure of the museum, combined with innovative exhibition supports, enhances the local heritage in an appealing and educational manner, reinforcing the museum’s role as a vibrant space for identity, memory, and creation.
Partnerships were established with institutions like the Museum of Neorealism and Palace of Ajuda, and a scientific committee was formed featuring experts such as Dóris Santos and Luís Raposo for its reinvention.
The revamped collection includes notable pieces such as the Altarpiece of São Brás by painter Baltazar Gomes Figueira, alongside neorealist and contemporary artwork.
The new museum is organized into several thematic rooms, offering visitors “an immersive and accessible experience.”
The Sala Origens showcases archaeological pieces, documenting human presence in the region over centuries.
Sala do Sagrado is dedicated to religious heritage and sacred art.
Sala Formas features works by prominent artists like Maria Barreira, Vasco Pereira da Conceição, Jorge de Almeida Monteiro, and Júlio Pomar, highlighting Bombarral’s connection to the art scene.
Sala das Palavras honors the literary legacy of figures like Júlio César Machado and Anrique da Mota with an engaging and sensory presentation.
The inauguration of the new Municipal Museum of Bombarral is part of the 111th-anniversary celebrations of the county.
The Palácio Gorjão, dating back to the 17th century, has been classified as a public interest building since 1996, according to the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage’s website. Previously privately owned, it was acquired by the Bombarral City Council, which has established the Municipal Museum, the Tourist Office, the Library, an auditorium, and an open-air amphitheater there.
