Casa das Histórias Paula Rego

Amidst the lush greenery of ancient trees in Cascais, two striking red concrete pyramids rise — this is the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego. This unique museum complex is dedicated to the work of one of the most influential contemporary Portuguese artists. Portugal takes pride in this site not only for its cultural significance but also for its outstanding architecture, designed by Pritzker Prize laureate Eduardo Souto de Moura.

Paula Rego House of Stories. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Opened in 2009, the museum building covers an area of over 2,650 m² and is located on the site of former tennis courts. Its appearance is a bold interpretation of the region's historical motifs: the towers evoke the chimneys of ancient palaces, while the terracotta color of the facade contrasts beautifully with the surrounding eucalyptus and pine trees. Inside, visitors find bright halls finished in neutral tones and local blue-grey marble.

The museum is considered a rare example of a perfect union between an enlightened client and a genius architect. Here, Paula Rego’s "stories" find physical space, offering guests an immersion into a world of provocative and profound art within an atmosphere of absolute tranquility and harmony with nature.

To inquire about special exhibitions or plan a group visit, you can use the official communication channels. The museum is open to dialogue with visitors and provides up-to-date information on its website.

The main reason to visit the museum is the opportunity to see the intense and provocative world of Paula Rego. The galleries present a rich collection of her paintings, drawings, and prints, as well as works by her husband, artist Victor Willing. The exhibition is structured as a narrative: each canvas tells its own story, prompting the viewer to reflect on the complex themes of human nature.

Special attention should be paid to the architectural details. While walking through the sequential halls, you will notice how skillfully the architect integrated panoramic views of the garden into the museum space. This creates a wonderful effect of "bringing art to life" within the context of the surrounding environment. Don't forget to visit the courtyard, where you can take impressive photos against the backdrop of the red concrete walls and pyramidal towers.

After exploring the collection, be sure to visit the cozy café, which opens directly into the green garden. It is the perfect spot to discuss what you've seen over a cup of coffee. The museum also features a shop with exclusive souvenirs and art books, while the modern auditorium frequently hosts lectures and educational events that help deepen your understanding of the artist's work.

The attraction is located in the heart of the historic center at Av. da República 300. If you are already walking along the waterfront, the walk to the museum will take no more than 10–15 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the charm of the coastal streets.

For travelers from Lisbon, the most convenient way is to take the Cascais line train, which departs from the Cais do Sodré station. The journey takes about 40 minutes and follows the scenic coastline. From the town's train station, you can walk to the museum or take local Scotturb buses (routes 405 or 415), which stop in the immediate vicinity.

For those who prefer driving, the journey via the A5 highway takes about half an hour, and parking spaces are available near the site. Bicycles and electric scooters are also popular ways to get around the area and can be easily rented anywhere in town.

The history of this cultural space began with the artist's personal desire to donate a significant portion of her work to the city. Paula Rego personally chose the distinguished architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, a Pritzker Prize laureate, to realize this ambitious project. The building was constructed between 2008 and 2009 on the site of former tennis courts belonging to an old sports club.

The museum's architectural design became a true challenge to modernist abstraction. Souto de Moura turned to regional traditions: the famous pyramidal towers reference the chimneys of the Alcobaça Monastery and the historic kitchens of the Sintra National Palace. The use of red-pigmented concrete allowed the building to blend harmoniously into the surrounding landscape, creating a vivid contrast with the lush greenery of the park. For this project, the architect was awarded the prestigious Secil prize in 2010.

The artist dreamed that her "House of Stories" would be "fun, lively, and a bit mischievous." This very concept formed the basis for the interiors, where contemporary art meets classic architectural archetypes. The museum doesn't just house canvases; it is itself a large-scale work of art, reinterpreting the history of Portuguese architecture in a modern key.

To explore the exhibition at a leisurely pace and appreciate the building's architectural merits, most visitors need 2 to 3 hours. This is enough time to walk through all the galleries, pay attention to the details of the graphics, and enjoy the atmosphere of the internal garden.

If you plan to visit a temporary exhibition or spend time in the cozy museum café, it is worth setting aside about 4 hours for your visit. Architecture enthusiasts may also require extra time to examine the facades and towers from different angles, as the building changes its appearance depending on the light.

The museum welcomes guests throughout the week, except for Mondays. When planning your visit, please refer to the following schedule:

• Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Monday: Closed

Please note that opening hours may change slightly on public holidays, so it is recommended to check the official website for the latest information before your trip.

The museum's location in the cultural quarter makes it easy to combine viewing the artwork with exploring other interesting locations. A walk through the surrounding area will reveal a rich historical heritage and the natural beauty of the coast.