Bordalo Pinheiro Museum opens long-term exhibition

The Bordalo Pinheiro Museum, which has now been refurbished with an investment of more than 147,000 euros from the municipality (through Lisboa Cultura), is presenting a new permanent exhibition that offers a contemporary reading of the work of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, a 19th century caricaturist, illustrator, costume designer and ceramicist who was a central figure in Lisbon and Portuguese culture.

The new exhibition project includes around 400 pieces, spread over nine rooms, and establishes a dialog between the artist's different creative universes, including original drawings, newspaper pages, ceramics, advertising works and objects decorated by Bordalo Pinheiro himself. The original drawings, unique pieces, take on particular importance in the set presented.

At the opening, Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon, stressed the relevance of the artist's work and its importance to contemporary society: "The museum recalls the work of Bordalo Pinheiro, it also recalls what he represented for Portuguese society and what society needs, which is examples of courageous men."

The exhibition highlights the artistic talent of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro and his civic conscience, affirming humor as a tool for satire, social criticism and reading political and cultural reality.

The project gives special prominence to the figure of "Zé Povinho", created in 1875, who takes center stage as the greatest symbol of political satire and popular Portuguese identity. Carlos Moedas also highlighted this dimension: "This museum has a history, which tells not only who Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro was, but also the history of the Portuguese people. And Zé Povinho, the resigned one, also represents the struggle and the belief that we can do things differently and that people are the most important thing."

The exhibition includes audiovisual and interactive resources, including a digital panel with historical and biographical information about the author.

With the Passe Cultura, entry is free for Lisbon residents up to the age of 23 and over 65 (inclusive).