The Museum of Lagos is a pleasant surprise for anyone interested in the local history, traditions and crafts of theAlgarve. Founded by Dr. José Formosinho, it nestles in the city’s historic center and incorporates theChurch of St. Anthony. We were seduced by the diversity of the collections and the charm of the place, both unusual and deeply rooted in its territory.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a great time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit the Lagos Museum?
Is the museum worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the Lagos Museum is well worth a visit. It’s one of the city’s must-do activities. With its cabinet of curiosities, handicrafts and works of sacred art, its collections offer a fine overview of the Algarve’s cultural identity. The Baroque nave of the adjoining church, with its rich ornamentation, is a highlight of the visit. We were won over by the venue’s clarity, meticulous staging and accessibility. In our opinion, it’s one of the region’s most comprehensive and enjoyable museums for understanding its history and know-how.
Why is the museum famous?
The Lagos Museum owes much to its founder, Dr. José Formosinho, a pioneer of regional museology in Portugal. It was he who assembled the first collections. The Church of St. Anthony, part of the museum complex, impressed us with the richness of its nave, a true gem of Portuguese Baroque. The museum also houses a cabinet of curiosities, a rarity in the region and a precious reminder of the encyclopedic spirit that animated the early days of museography.
Our favorite moments
When we visited the museum, we loved exploring it:
- the cabinet of curiosities and its enigmatic jars, fascinating relics of a time when science still rubbed shoulders with mystery;
- sensitive, dignified portraits of Algarve women, paying tribute to their often forgotten role in local history;
- the spectacular ornamentation of the Baroque nave, with its gleaming gilding and solemn atmosphere that grips you from the moment you enter.
History in brief
The Lagos Museum was founded in 1930 by Dr. José Formosinho, a passionate patron of the arts and a pioneer of archaeological research in the region. Thanks to his excavations and numerous donations, he has built up a unique multidisciplinary collection combining archaeology, sacred art, ethnography, painting and mineralogy. The museum traces the history of Lagos and the Algarve through a thematic approach blending modernity and tradition. It also houses a valuable cabinet of curiosities and remarkable handicrafts exhibited at the 1940 Regional Exhibition.
Access: Museum of Lagos (Algarve)
Where is the museum?
- Right in the historic center of Lagos
- Rua General Alberto da Silveira 1
- 2min walk from Église Sainte-Marie
- 3min walk from Musée de l’Esclavage
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN THE Algarve
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
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How to get there?
The museum is ideally located in the historic center of Lagos. It’s within easy walking distance of St. Anthony’s Church, which dominates the busy street from its bell tower.
If you prefer public transport, several bus routes stop nearby, including the “Praça do Infante” stop, just a 5-minute walk away. To help you plan your visit, you can consult the bus timetables on the local network’s official website here.
Parking
The museum doesn’t have its own parking lot, but it’s easy to park nearby. A convenient option is the Parking da Frente Ribeirinha, a 5-minute walk away. It’s a covered, pay parking lot that lets you visit the historic center without worrying about your vehicle. In high season, remember to arrive a little earlier to find a seat.
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
To make the most of your visit, we advise you to avoid peak times, especially in the late morning and early afternoon. At the time of our visit, the museum was fully booked due to a group and we had to wait 30 minutes before being allowed in.
In low season, weekday mornings are generally quieter, allowing you to explore the collections in the best possible conditions. You’ll enjoy a more relaxed pace, ideal for enjoying each room at your own pace.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 45min to 1h for a complete visit.
The Lagos Museum is one of the best-equipped cultural establishments in the region in terms of accessibility. It features a number of functions designed for the mobility-impaired and visually impaired: tactile flooring, a museum map in relief and Braille, tactile models, original exhibits to handle, audio guides and audio descriptions. Information is presented in accessible writing and sign language, and is available in both Portuguese and English. A true model of inclusion, making culture accessible to all. There are also adapted toilets on site.
Advice on how to visit
Before you even enter the building, take a moment to observe the Church of Saint Anthony from the outside. The contrast between this historic building and the museum’s modern entrance is striking, and already gives an idea of the spirit of the place. Once inside, we recommend starting your visit with the curiosity cabinet on the first floor, which immediately sets the tone with its strange and fascinating atmosphere. Then move on to the themed rooms dedicated to local crafts, history and artists, among other collections. Finish with the Baroque church, whose magnificently gilded nave is a moving highlight. This step-by-step itinerary will help you better understand the many facets of the Algarve, from popular traditions to religious heritage and artistic expression.
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Visiting with children
The tour is suitable for children aged 7 or 8 and over, especially if they are curious and like to observe details. The cabinet of curiosities is often a good place to start: its mysterious jars and slightly strange atmosphere easily spark their imagination. Further on, the model of an imaginary village designed by Pedro Reis is a real eye-catcher. Small in scale but rich in detail, it stimulates creativity. Touch screens accompany it, making it interactive, fun and accessible to the youngest visitors. Even if the museum is not specifically designed for children, its short format, fluid rhythm and a few well-chosen elements make it an enjoyable visit for the whole family.
Schedules and rates
The museum is generally open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm. Closed Mondays, January 1st, Easter Sunday, April 25th, May 1st, December 1st, 24th and 25th.
Admission is €3 for adults and free for children under 12. Combined tickets at €5 are also available to visit the Musée de l’Esclavage at the same time. Find out more on the official website of the city of Lagos here.
Guided tours
The museum does not offer traditional guided tours, but provides several types of audioguide to suit all visitor profiles. You’ll find a classic audioguide for self-guided tours, as well as audiodescription devices for the visually impaired and a sign language version. A real plus for making the visit accessible and personalized, while maintaining a good level of information.
Catering
There’s no on-site restaurant, but the museum is ideally located in the heart of Lagos’ old town. So you’ll have no trouble finding a good place to eat nearby, whether for a gourmet break or a real meal. The area is packed with small cafés, typical restaurants and lively terraces. We particularly liked Restaurant Mar d’Estórias and Restaurant A Petisqueira, both less than a 5-minute walk away. Find our detailed recommendations in our article here: see the best addresses in Lagos.
A museum rooted in history… and looking to the future
If you want to get a better grasp of Lagos’ identity – and indeed that of the Algarve – we think it’s a must-see! Its historic facade contrasts with a modern, inclusive interior designed for all audiences.
Architecture combining tradition and modernity
As soon as we entered, we were struck by the contrast between the clean lines of the renovated building and the ancient walls steeped in history. The Lagos Museum has elegantly blended the ancient and the contemporary, without ever betraying the soul of the place. The interior is luminous, structured and designed for fluid circulation, whether you’re in a wheelchair, visually impaired or simply looking for a clear, comfortable route.
We particularly liked the way the Baroque church was integrated into the tour. While preserving the architectural integrity of the religious building, the museum has created a harmonious link between the historic spaces and the more modern exhibition areas. A fine example of respect for heritage combined with accessibility for all.
An astonishing cabinet of curiosities
We began our visit with the cabinet of curiosities, which drew us in irresistibly as soon as we entered. This room, designed by the museum’s founder, Dr José Formosinho, is brimming with rare specimens preserved in jars, some with physical anomalies. Witnesses to a time when science and wonder still went hand in hand, these objects astonish as much as they fascinate. The subdued, almost hushed atmosphere reinforces this impression of suspended mystery.
Out of respect for our most sensitive visitors, we have chosen not to show photos of some of the sometimes confusing pieces. If you’re visiting the museum with your family or are particularly sensitive to this type of content, it can be useful to know in advance. However, this room remains a highlight of the visit, immediately immersing visitors in the museum’s singular, audacious universe.
Algarve jewels: at the heart of local identity
The museum showcases Algarve traditions through a fine selection of handicrafts, regional paintings and portraits of local people. A sensitive immersion in the daily life of yesteryear, telling the story of the region’s deep-rooted identity.
Meet the artists of the Côte d’Or
A collection is dedicated to artists who have captured the singular beauty of the Algarve through their work. From coastal landscapes to cobbled village lanes, each painting bears witness to an attentive eye for the region’s visual and natural wealth. We were particularly impressed by the light so characteristic of these canvases, often painted by little-known artists but with great expressive accuracy. The result is a contemplative, soothing space, dominated by the warm, golden hues characteristic of the Côte d’Or region.
Craftsmanship: between know-how and the poetry of everyday life
It’s impossible to speak of the Algarve’s identity without mentioning its traditional skills, patiently handed down through the generations. In the museum, you’ll discover delicately patterned azulejos, multicolored earthenware tiles, terracotta pieces used to make vases, and superb hand-woven baskets and hats. Lacemaking is also represented, the fruit of artisanal knowledge often inherited within families. We appreciated the sensitive look taken at these simple pieces, deeply rooted in local culture. A fine showcase for the region’s intangible heritage, both authentic and alive.
Sacred art in the spotlight
Religious art occupies a central place in the history of Lagos, and the museum devotes a space to it commensurate with its importance. From liturgical works to Baroque architecture, this section is an invitation to discover art, spirituality and heritage.
The Church of Saint Anthony: a Baroque masterpiece
Built in 1707 and rebuilt in 1769, the Church of Saint Anthony impresses with its rich Baroque decoration, considered one of the finest in the country. Its nave is covered in carved and gilded wood, enhanced by panels of 18th-century blue and white azulejos. The wooden vault, painted with remarkable rigor, creates a striking illusion of relief. In the center of the altar sits Saint Anthony carrying the Infant Jesus, surrounded by two angels. We were particularly struck by the contrast between the interior of the church and the rest of the museum, which is more sober and contemporary.
Faith in the Algarve
Outside the church, several areas extend the discovery of sacred art by displaying liturgical objects from local religious life. Here you’ll find precious metal chalices, ancient manuscripts and statuettes representing various saints. Each piece bears witness to the strong link between spirituality and daily life in the Algarve of yesteryear. The scenography is clear, and the labels accessible. It’s a great way to round off your visit, placing the church in a wider cultural and spiritual context.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Slavery Museum in Lagos worth a visit?
Yes, if you want to better understand the dark history of triangular trade in the region. The Musée de l’Esclavage raises awareness of a major historical subject through an educational approach. Although small, it houses a collection of period objects and documents that bear witness to the slave trade in the region. The exhibition is enhanced by digital tablets that make the visit more interactive and fun. It is now part of the unified network of municipal museums, as is the Museum of Lagos, born of the desire to centralize the city’s cultural offerings.
Can I visit the Ponta da Bandeira Fort?
Yes, the Ponta da Bandeira Fort can be visited and makes a great seaside stopover. Well-preserved, it offers a breathtaking view of the bay and houses a small chapel decorated with azulejos. The tour is brief but interesting, and provides a better understanding of the defensive dimension of the coastline in the era of the Great Discoveries. This site is also part of the Lagos Municipal Museum’s new multi-site configuration, aimed at bringing its various cultural spaces under common management.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE algarve
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When to go? (coming soon)
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Driving tips (coming soon)
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Benagil cave (coming soon)
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