CONTACTS Jorge Vieira Museum/Casa das Artes Castelo - Casa do Governador Largo Dr. Lima Faleiro - 7800-266 Beja 284 311 920 museujorgevieira@cm-beja.pt
OPENING TIMES 09:30-12:30 | 14:00-18:00 Open all year round, except on public holidays 01/01, 25/04, 01/05, 25/12
PRICES Free Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
The Jorge Vieira Museum is part of the artistic collection that the sculptor Jorge Vieira donated to the Beja City Council in 1994. Housed in a building in the historic city centre since May 1995, it has been located in the former Governor's house in Beja Castle since 1 September 2019, housing an important collection of sculptures, models and drawings by Jorge Vieira, a visual artist who left his mark on Portuguese art throughout the 20th century. Jorge Ricardo da Conceição Vieira was born in Lisbon on 16 November 1922. Between 1944 and 1953 he attended the Lisbon School of Fine Arts, where he first enrolled in architecture and later switched to sculpture. He was a student of Simões de Almeida and Leopoldo de Almeida and worked in the studios of António Duarte, Francisco Franco and António Rocha. He participated in several artistic gatherings of the time, together with numerous figures of Portuguese culture, such as Sena da Silva, Lagoa Henriques, Dias Coelho, João Abel Manta, among others. In 1953, he entered the International Sculpture Competition The Unknown Political Prisoner, promoted by the Institute of Contemporary Arts, in London. Among more than 2,500 competitors, representing 54 countries, he was the only Portuguese selected, exhibiting his work, together with the other winners, at the Tate Gallery. In 1954, he moved to London to attend the Slade School of Fine Arts, working under the guidance of Henry Moore, F. E. Mc’William and Reg Butler. He returned to Portugal in 1956, where he resumed his teaching activity, participating, since then, in numerous group and solo exhibitions, in Portugal and abroad, winning several awards. His works are in several cities and collections in the country. His connection to Beja was strengthened in 1994, when his Monument to the Unknown Political Prisoner was inaugurated at a roundabout leading into the city, an initiative of the city's Municipality. It was after this relationship grew stronger that the sculptor decided to donate part of his estate to the city of Beja. Jorge Vieira died in Estremoz in 1998.
The Museu Jorge Vieira in Beja, Portugal, is a small but notable art museum dedicated to the works of Jorge Vieira, a renowned Portuguese sculptor. Visitors generally appreciate the opportunity to explore the artist's unique sculptural pieces, which showcase his distinctive style and creativity. The museum is housed in a historic building, which adds to its charm. While the collection is not extensive, it provides a focused look at Vieira's artistic journey and his contributions to Portuguese modern art. Some visitors note that the museum could benefit from more detailed information about the artworks and the artist's life. The intimate setting allows for a close examination of the sculptures, but some find the space somewhat limited. Overall, the museum offers an interesting glimpse into Jorge Vieira's work, though it may not appeal to those seeking a more comprehensive art experience.
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