Museu Municipal do Crato

Museu Municipal do Crato is the municipal museum of Crato, a small town in Portugal's Alto Alentejo region. It tells the story of this corner of the Alentejo across the centuries, from prehistory and Roman times to the era of the Order of St John.

Where is the museum and what is the building like?

The museum stands on Rua do Arco, in a former palace dating from the mid-18th century. The building was later remodelled and extended with new facilities, following a design by architect Fernando Sequeira Mendes. The institution is relatively recent: it opened in 2000, and its displays are spread over three floors. A visit therefore combines the collections with a look inside a historic building in the town centre.

What can you see inside?

The permanent exhibition gives an overview of the history of the Crato municipality. It begins with the area's prehistory, moves on to the Roman presence, and then explains the role of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, also known as the Hospitallers or the Order of Malta, in the Middle Ages and the early modern period. This matters because from the 14th century Crato became one of the most important towns of the Alentejo in military and religious terms, and the Priory of Portugal was renamed the Priory of Crato.

The collections cover several fields:

• archaeology,
• painting,
• sculpture,
• decorative arts,
• numismatics,
• ethnography.

Newer galleries and contemporary art

In 2019 a contemporary art section opened, created in partnership with Novo Banco Cultura. It shows works by renowned 20th-century Portuguese artists, including Maria Helena Vieira da Silva and Trindade d'Assumpção. In December 2022 the Collections Gallery was inaugurated. It houses the Contemporary Portuguese Painting Room (Novo Banco Cultura), the Ethiopian Christian art collection of Ambassador António Cotrim, and Espaço Volte-Face, a collection of Portuguese medallic art by sculptor João Duarte.

Who is it for?

It is a good first stop for anyone who wants to understand Crato's history before walking around the town. Fans of archaeology and the history of the military-religious orders will enjoy it, as will visitors interested in 20th-century Portuguese painting. The mix of local collections and art galleries means most travellers will find something of interest.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Museu Municipal do Crato? On Rua do Arco in Crato, in the Alto Alentejo region.

When did the museum open? In 2000, in a remodelled palace from the mid-18th century.

What does it display? Archaeology, painting, sculpture, decorative arts, numismatics and ethnography, plus contemporary art galleries and special collections.

Is there contemporary art? Yes, a contemporary art room was created with Novo Banco Cultura and shows Portuguese painters of the 20th century.

How do I check opening hours? Confirm them on the Crato municipality website or Turismo do Alentejo before visiting, as they may change.