Plus Program
Exhibition from the Collection
Permanent exhibition
Hours
No reservation required; first-come, first-served
Description
Not all private collections are displayed in dedicated physical spaces; most remain in private settings. Collectors may choose to make them visible to the outside world by establishing a foundation (private or public) or a house-museum. Depending on the specific case, these private collections may be housed in the owner’s residence or in purpose-built structures to facilitate public access, or they may be deposited as holdings within museums, archives, or libraries (whether municipal or national).
Historically, the act of collecting was inherited from those who sought greater aesthetic enjoyment and knowledge. Intellectuals and dilettantes would often spend their time contemplating artworks and handling special objects. Collectors surrounded themselves with the items they cherished most, continually acquiring new pieces for their own enjoyment. However, some individuals stood out by prioritizing sharing their collections with a broader community—extending beyond just family and friends. These collections are housed and made available to the public within a museum setting. This is the case with collector Maria de Fátima Gramaxo, who decided to share a selection of pieces from her collection with the general public; these are currently on display in the museum building as part of a long-term exhibition.