MMIPO, the Museu da Misericórdia do Porto, is a museum on Rua das Flores in Porto’s historic centre. Its collections bring together sacred art, portraits, paintings and historical objects while tracing the work of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia and its role in the city. The visit also includes the 16th-century church, with its ornate interior and gilded wooden altar. Look for the painting “Fons Vitae” and the gallery beneath a cast-iron-and-glass roof. The museum offers a quieter change of pace from the busy street outside.
The Misericórdia and its place in Porto
MMIPO tells the story of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, a charitable institution that supported people in Porto over several centuries. The museum occupies the historic building on Rua das Flores that served as the institution’s headquarters from the mid-16th century until the start of the 21st century.
Its collections connect the institution’s history with the religious and artistic life of the city. Paintings, portraits, sculpture, religious objects and historical artefacts show different parts of that story. The displays also include contemporary exhibitions. Together, they give context to the Misericórdia’s work and the building it used.
Art and architecture inside
The museum’s collection includes sacred art, portraits, jewellery and Flemish art. Among its works is “Fons Vitae,” a painting singled out as a highlight of the collection. Look closely at the objects and paintings as you move through the galleries; some of the works have unusual details, including an image of the infant Jesus in a cowboy hat.
The building’s architecture is part of the visit. The Gallery of Benefactors has an iron-and-glass structure, with a cast-iron frame beneath a glass roof. The museum also displays a gilded wooden altar and images of Francisco Xavier and Saint Dominic. These works sit within a collection that spans religious art and the history of the institution.
The church of Santa Casa da Misericórdia
A visit to MMIPO includes the church, Igreja da Misericórdia, which dates to the 16th century. Its exterior brings together a Renaissance entrance and an 18th-century Baroque façade designed by Nicolau Nasoni during a restoration. Nasoni’s work can also be seen in other buildings across Porto.
At the Renaissance entrance, a niche holds a statue of Our Lady of Compassion, surrounded by the coats of arms of Tavira and Portugal. Large reliefs of Saint Paul and Saint Peter flank the entrance. Inside, the church’s gilded wooden altar is among the details to look for. The visit begins on the third floor and ends in the church.
FAQ
Where is MMIPO in Porto?
The museum is at Rua das Flores 15 in Porto’s historic centre.
Does a museum visit include the church?
Yes. Entry to MMIPO includes the 16th-century Igreja da Misericórdia.
What can you see at MMIPO?
The collections include sacred art, portraits, paintings, jewellery, religious objects and historical artefacts. The visit also includes the church and the Gallery of Benefactors.
