"So, what's this place all about? António de Medeiros e Almeida was a wealthy Portuguese entrepreneur who first made his fortune in automobiles and aviation. He was also an avid art collector who filled the palatial home he shared with his wife with beautiful, historic objects, eventually leading to the creation of the Medeiros e Almeida Foundation in 1972. Set close to Avenida da Liberdade, the mansion features 27 galleries throughout two wings: the well-preserved old quarters where the couple once dwelled, and the newer, more gallery-like space built in the 1970s. A covetable home, filled with covetable things. What exactly will we see? The decorative arts collection leans heavily on watches, clocks, and Chinese porcelain; there are also English silver, Portuguese and French furniture, and 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings. Look out for small treasures like a Fabergé cigarette case and Paul de Lamerie coffee pot. Will do. Should we look out for anything beyond the main collection? The setting of this private museum is as elegant as the art: a circa-1896 house. Although the permanent collection is the main draw, temporary exhibitions pop up frequently. Perfect. Who else is checking out the space? Laid-back oohers and aahers. We know the sort. What's the word on tours? There are free guided tours on Saturdays. Got it. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? Things that we need to see? One of the museum’s most compelling aspects is its intimate nature. Be sure to scope out the 17th-century amber and ivory hourglass as well as the Imperial Chinese jade from this era, the Breguet pocket watches, and the European fans. A Qing Dynasty screen fashioned from wood, plaster, and lacquer is striking, as are works from the esteemed French cabinet maker François Linke." - Alia Akkam
