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Albuquerque Foundation Opens in Sintra, Portugal, Dedicated to Ceramics

institutional · 2026-04-26

Set to launch on February 22, 2025, in Sintra, Portugal, the Albuquerque Foundation is a cultural venue dedicated to both historical and modern ceramics. Established by Brazilian collector Renato de Albuquerque, it boasts the largest private collection of Ming and Qing dynasty export porcelain, comprising over 2,600 items. Designed by Bernardes Arquitetura, the facility includes a pavilion for temporary exhibitions, a library, a restaurant, and a concept store. The opening exhibition, titled 'Connections' and curated by Becky MacGuire, will be available until August 30, 2026. The contemporary program, led by Jacopo Crivelli Visconti, will debut with a solo exhibition by Theaster Gates, featuring a black ceramic tile floor from Japan and sculptures that interact with the collection. Admission is priced at €10.

Key facts

  • Albuquerque Foundation opens February 22, 2025 in Sintra, Portugal.
  • Founded by Brazilian collector Renato de Albuquerque and his niece Mariana Teixeira de Carvalho.
  • Houses over 2,600 pieces of Ming and Qing dynasty export porcelain, the largest private collection worldwide.
  • Architecture by Brazilian firm Bernardes Arquitetura, partially underground with a garden.
  • Includes a pavilion for temporary exhibitions, library, restaurant, and concept store.
  • Inaugural exhibition 'Connections' curated by Becky MacGuire, runs until August 30, 2026.
  • Contemporary program directed by Jacopo Crivelli Visconti, opens with Theaster Gates solo show.
  • Gates' exhibition features a black ceramic tile floor made in Japan, first time in Europe, and sculptures in dialogue with the collection.
  • Gates coined 'Afro-Mingei' inspired by Japanese ceramist Yamaguchi Shoji.
  • Foundation is 30 minutes by car from Lisbon; admission €10.

Entities

Artists

  • Renato de Albuquerque
  • Mariana Teixeira de Carvalho
  • Becky MacGuire
  • Jacopo Crivelli Visconti
  • Theaster Gates
  • Yamaguchi Shoji

Institutions

  • Albuquerque Foundation
  • Bernardes Arquitetura
  • MACAM – Museu de Arte Contemporânea Armando Martins

Locations

  • Sintra
  • Portugal
  • Lisbon
  • Lisboa
  • Japan
  • Mississippi
  • São Paulo
  • Brazil

Sources