The Foundation

Located in Sintra, Portugal, the Albuquerque Foundation is a cultural institution dedicated to the exhibition and research of both Chinese export ceramics and contemporary ceramics.

Mission and Vision

The Albuquerque Foundation aims at promoting the debate and reflection on the artistic, cultural and historical meaning of ceramic production. Its exhibition programme includes a permanent presentation of the pieces in the Albuquerque Chinese Ceramic Collection along with solo shows by contemporary artists working in the expanded field of ceramics. Artists, scholars and curators will be regularly invited for short and long-term residencies, in which research work on the Collection may constitute the point of departure for new artistic productions, academic works and innovative exhibitions. 

The former Quinta de São João was refurbished and expanded to host the extensive activities of the Albuquerque Foundation. It features a specialized library, the Albuquerque Collection, maintained under strict museum guidelines, a concept store showcasing and selling works by Portuguese ceramists, and a restaurant with a terrace and views of the vast gardens and Sintra landscapes included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.   

Professional networks

The Albuquerque Foundation is a member of the following professional networks in the museum, cultural and arts sectors:

Centro Português de Fundações (CPF)
International Council of Museums (ICOM)
World Art Foundations (WAF)

About us

Renato de Albuquerque
Founder

Mariana A. Teixeira de Carvalho
Co-founder

Miguel Maria de Sousa Ribeiro Telles
Chair of the Executive Board

Patrícia Pinheiro Ressutti Rego
Executive Committee Member

Rita Sousa Tavares
Museum Director

Mônica Novaes Esmanhotto
Institutional Affairs

Pedro Coelho
Exhibitions and Residencies

Alexandra Inocêncio
Administration and Communications

Heloísa Vivanco
Operations Supervisor and Production

Dedé Bevilaqua
Shop

Abraão Tavares, Catarina Joaquim, Joane Brandão de Carvalho, Luiza Tarasconi, Neuza Leote, Renata Madeira
Cultural Mediation

Pedro Lopes
Ticket Office

Institutional Documents