Museu do Papel Moeda

Museu do Papel Moeda in Porto is a museum of paper money run by a private foundation and located on Avenida da Boavista, opposite the Parque da Cidade city park. It belongs to the Fundação Dr. António Cupertino de Miranda and shares its premises with a congress and exhibition centre. It suits anyone who enjoys small, offbeat museums and economic history.

What can you see at Museu do Papel Moeda?

The visit is built around two permanent exhibitions. The first tells the story of paper money in Portugal. It features an important collection of banknotes in which every issue of the Banco de Portugal and of the Banco Nacional Ultramarino, the bank that issued currency for Portugal's overseas territories, is represented. The holdings also include other kinds of paper currency and notes from various banking institutions, among them the issuing banks of northern Portugal and the Banco de Lisboa.

The second exhibition links two seemingly distant themes: money and transport. It is based on a collection of more than 5,000 miniature cars, complemented by models of boats, trains and aeroplanes. This makes the museum more engaging for children, and for visitors who find banknotes alone a dry subject.

How are the collections presented?

The displays are supported by films, scale models, viewmasters (stereoscopic slide viewers) and multimedia kiosks, so the history of money is more than a row of cases filled with notes.

Are guided visits available?

Yes. The museum offers guided visits for schools, seniors, families and people with special needs. If you are travelling with a group, ask about them in advance.

Where is it and how do you plan a visit?

The foundation stands on Avenida da Boavista, one of the main arteries of western Porto, opposite Parque da Cidade. That makes it easy to combine the museum with a walk in the largest city park. There is private parking on site, along with a restaurant open daily except Sundays. Opening hours and ticket prices change, so check the foundation's official channels or a Porto tourist office before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a state museum? No. It is a private cultural institution run by the foundation named after Dr. António Cupertino de Miranda.

How long does a visit take? At a relaxed pace about an hour is usually enough, though numismatics and model fans may stay longer.

Is it good for children? Yes, mainly thanks to the miniature cars, boats, trains and aeroplanes, and the multimedia kiosks.

Is there parking? Yes, the foundation has private parking.

Can you eat nearby? A restaurant operates on the foundation's grounds, open every day except Sunday.

Who is it for? People interested in the history of money, banking and the Portuguese economy, collectors, and families looking for a rainy-day alternative to walking around Porto. It pairs well with a day around Boavista and the Atlantic side of the city, away from the tourist crowds of Ribeira.