Art Nouveau Museum

Before and during your visit to Aveiro, you’ll probably hear people compare the city to Venice. But it also shares similarities with other major tourist destinations, both near and far, like Barcelona, Brussels, Helsinki or even Havana. They’re all part of the Art Nouveau Network, a global community dedicated to preserving and promoting this elegant, ornamental style. In Aveiro, this artistic movement was active for only a brief period, from 1904 to 1920. At the time, this fresh, flowing style, full of organic curves, floral patterns, and decorative flourishes, didn’t even have a proper name. It simply stood out, offering a bold contrast to more traditional architecture. The presence of Art Nouveau in Aveiro is largely thanks to the conservative bourgeoisie and a few wealthy emigrants returning from Brazil, who used it as a way to express their social and economic power. Today, ten buildings with ornate façades and colourful tiles form a walking route showcasing this iconic style from the 19th and 20th centuries. The most eye-catching of them all is the one in front of you, the famous Art Nouveau Museum, inaugurated in 2008 inside the Casa do Major Pessoa, listed as a Property of Public Interest since 1997. Inside, you’ll find a charming permanent collection of Art Nouveau pieces, furniture, paintings, ceramics, jewellery, all celebrating the movement’s elegance and craftsmanship. There are also temporary exhibitions that change every three months. If you're in the mood for a break, the museum’s tearoom, complete with plush poufs, is a lovely place to relax with a hot or refreshing drink.