Atelier-Museu Júlio Pomar

Atelier-Museu Júlio Pomar is a small art museum in Lisbon dedicated to the work of Portuguese painter Júlio Pomar (1926–2018). It occupies a converted former warehouse on Rua do Vale, between the Bairro Alto and Madragoa neighbourhoods, in the Misericórdia area. The building was designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira, winner of the 1992 Pritzker Architecture Prize.

Who was Júlio Pomar and what can I see here?

Pomar is regarded as one of Portugal's major twentieth-century artists. The museum's holdings include around 1,500 works, both by him and by artists who were close to him. The programme reflects the technical and thematic range of his career: the collection spans paintings, engravings, collages, sculptures, drawings, ceramics and even assemblages. A permanent display is usually on view, alongside changing temporary exhibitions.

The museum also hosts shows by other Portuguese and international artists, emerging and established, chosen to enter into dialogue with the building and with Pomar's oeuvre. It runs events, conferences and educational activities too, and its mission is to deepen knowledge of the painter's work and encourage reflection on contemporary art and culture.

What is the history of the building?

Lisbon City Council bought the former warehouse on Rua do Vale in 2000. It was meant to become Pomar's own studio; he lived on the same street in his later years. Renovation took several years, and in 2010 the artist gave up the idea of working there, which allowed the space to open as a museum sooner than planned. The museum opened in 2013 and joined the network of cultural venues managed by EGEAC on 2 January 2015.

What is special about the architecture?

Siza kept the main components of the existing structure, including its volume, load-bearing walls and roof, and concentrated on the formal and spatial details typical of his work. The complex is modest: an outdoor patio and a two-storey building with a large central exhibition hall. It also contains two storage rooms, service areas, an office, an auditorium and a reception. For architecture fans, it is a chance to see a Pritzker laureate's work at an intimate scale.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the museum? In Lisbon on Rua do Vale, between Bairro Alto and Madragoa, in the Misericórdia area.

When is it open? According to the museum: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:00. Closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday and 25 December. Check the official website for current hours before visiting.

Who runs it? EGEAC, Lisbon's cultural agency.

Do I need to know Pomar's work? No. The museum is compact and the exhibitions show a variety of techniques, so it suits a short, quiet visit while exploring Bairro Alto and Madragoa.

Are there exhibitions besides Pomar's? Yes, the programme also features Portuguese and international artists.