visit > museums & galleries

The Museu Nacional da Imprensa (Press Museum) brings Portuguese culture to life and reminds us of some of the country's relevant historical events. Trying to be a different museum, which seeks to be a "living museum" and always updated, the Museu Nacional da Imprensa conquers us not only for its collection, but also for its concern to involve the whole city in its actions.

At the museum's headquarters, next to the Freixo Bridge, the Museu Nacional da Imprensa is divided into four sectors: Foundry, Composition – manual and mechanical –, Printing and Bookbinding. However, there is a fifth sector entirely dedicated to Engraving. The visit is a true history lesson.

The permanent exhibition at the Museu Nacional da Imprensa is called “Memórias Vivas da Imprensa” (Living Memories of the Press), and, since 1997, it has been held in the Sala Rodrigo Álvares, a multipurpose space that can host other temporary exhibitions and even events. Through a historical tour of the equipment and pieces we found here, many of them still ready to be used and handled, we are invited to appreciate the relics of the graphics industry and understand how things were done many decades ago – there is even an 18th century printing press, assembled from pieces found around the country! This is a space that seeks to be interactive, you can try out some equipment and do some old-fashioned printing: children will love the experience! At the top, we can also see a set of pieces produced by the former typographer Américo da Silveira: a set of 160 miniature copies of the machines used in printing factories.

The museum is open all year round and preserves one of the world's largest spoils of graphic arts, also valuing caricature as a journalistic genre. For those who are curious about the typographical heritage and the press in the country, this is the place to visit! The normal ticket costs 2€ from Monday to Friday and 1€ on weekends. The Museu Nacional da Imprensa also has several centers around the country to enhance the local press, look for the one nearest you and discover its history.

Cool Tip: Every year, the Museu Nacional da Imprensa gives life to PortoCartoon, presenting the satires made by the artists in a very interesting exhibition. On the ground floor you can find an exhibition of the winning cartoons since the first edition, don't miss it!