The Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva Museum was created, in 1994, to house the collection of Arpad Szenes (1897-1985) and Vieira da Silva (1908-1992), two artists who shared their lives together, from 1930 to 1985. Following the wish of Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, the Foundation’s headquarters was installed in the premises of a former silk factory of the 18th century, next to the Amoreiras Garden.

Arpad and Maria Helena met at a painting academy, an encounter that would set their lives on a path they would remain faithful to, until the end. During the course of a turbulent century, they weathered two wars, lived in three countries (Portugal, France and Brazil), and witnessed and participated in the emergence of the avant-garde intellectual, artistic and political movements.

The museum’s collection documents the various stages of their career, reflecting their stances both as citizens and as artists. A shared life mirrored in painting, reflected in a collection that confirms and is vindicated by the experiences of the artists. A legacy preserved and displayed in our permanent and temporary exhibitions.