Eduardo Souto de Moura Reveals Paula Rego's Brief for Casa das Histórias Museum in Cascais

Eduardo Souto de Moura, a recipient of the Pritzker Prize, disclosed that the design of the Casa das Histórias museum in Cascais, Portugal, was influenced by a letter from artist Paula Rego, who asked for "not a museum, but a house." Situated on a former aristocratic tennis court near Lisbon, the structure is organized around the diverse scales of her artwork. It boasts two pyramidal towers made of pigmented red concrete that contrasts with the surrounding greenery, along with an 11-metre-high gallery dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Traditional tile patterns inspired the textured surfaces, integrated seating, and diagonal corner elements. The herringbone motifs in the wooden formwork were influenced by architect Raul Lino. Despite the praise, Souto de Moura remarked, "Even donkeys like it," highlighting the importance of criticism in development. Photography by Luís Ferreira Alves.