Museu de Marionetas do Porto

The Porto Puppet Museum (Museu das Marionetas do Porto) is a small museum devoted to the art of puppet theatre, run by the company Teatro de Marionetas do Porto. It sits at Rua de Belomonte 61, right next to the company's headquarters, in the historic part of the city.

What is this museum?

The museum is tied to the work of João Paulo Seara Cardoso (1956–2010), stage director and artistic director of Teatro de Marionetas do Porto, who dreamed of creating a puppet museum. The company itself was founded in September 1988, a symbolic date that coincides with its presentation in the official selection of the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes in Charleville-Mézières.

How did the museum come about?

In 2002 a building at Rua das Flores 22 was rented. It was practically in ruins and needed major renovation. The museum opened on 3 February 2013, João Paulo Seara Cardoso's birthday. That year the company celebrated 25 years of activity, and the founder's lifelong dream became reality.

After the building on Rua das Flores 22 was sold, the museum moved to Rua de Belomonte 61, next to the company's base, the Teatro de Belomonte.

What can you see?

The new space has two floors. The exhibition shows 123 marionettes from 13 of the company's productions, following a journey of 32 years of creation. Alongside the puppets you will find posters, set pieces, photographs, props, and videos of plays and documentaries. This lets you see not only the puppets themselves but also how the productions were made.

Practical information

According to information published by the museum, it is open Wednesday to Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm, and on weekends from 11 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm. Exhibition tickets cost €3.50 for adults and €2.50 for children, students and seniors. Guided tours are also available: €10 for adults and €5 for the other groups. Check hours and prices before your visit. Contact: tel. 220 108 224, email [email protected].

Frequently asked questions

Where is the museum? At Rua de Belomonte 61 in Porto, next to the headquarters of Teatro de Marionetas do Porto.

When did it open? On 3 February 2013, originally in a building at Rua das Flores 22. It later moved to Rua de Belomonte.

How many marionettes are on display? There are 123 marionettes from 13 of the company's shows.

Are guided tours available? Yes, the museum offers guided visits for a separate fee.

Who is it for? Theatre lovers, families with children, and anyone interested in stagecraft and theatrical design. A visit does not take long, so it pairs well with a walk around the neighbourhood.