Frei Manuel do Cenaculo National Museum, Evora

The Frei Manuel do Cenáculo National Museum is a distinguished institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history, art, and cultural heritage of the region and the entire country. Its origins trace back to the early 19th century when Friar Manuel do Cenáculo, an archbishop, established a small museum connected to the Public Library of Évora in 1805. This initial effort eventually evolved into the comprehensive museum that stands today.

The museum's historical journey officially began on July 30, 1914, with Decree-Law No. 226, which paved the way for its creation. On March 1 of the following year, Decree-Law No. 1355 was enacted, officially naming the institution as the Évora Regional Museum. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1921, initially occupying the Amaral Palace building before moving to its current location in 1929. It wasn't until two years later that the first four rooms were inaugurated, and in 1936, the Archaeological Museum was incorporated into its holdings, previously housed on the ground floor of the Public Library of Évora.

One of the museum's notable features is its annex, the Church of Convento das Mercês, a 17th-century building. While this former convent of the Religious Augustines once served as the Religious Decorative Arts section of the museum, it is currently closed for conservation purposes.

The museum's collection is expansive and diverse, encompassing various fields such as art, archaeology, natural history, and scientific objects. A key highlight is the painting collection, which spans from the 15th to the 20th century and prominently features Portuguese artists. Baltazar Gomes Figueira and his daughter Josefa de Óbidos, among others, are notable figures in this collection. The museum also holds paintings from churches and convents that no longer exist in the city, preserving their artistic legacy.