Members of the Board of Directors of the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Americas visited the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum) in Lisbon, Portugal, aiming to foster relationships with like-minded institutions such as the Fine Arts Ceramic Center. During their visit, they engaged with executive staff and exchanged information about the mission and work of both organizations. Representing MoCAA were Leonardo Rodríguez, María Baños, Ariel Pedrosa, and Milena Martínez, who contributed several books and catalogs showcasing parts of the FACC's ceramic collection that has been displayed in museums and galleries across various American cities.
The National Tile Museum is a state museum located in Lisbon, Portugal, and is regarded as one of the finest of its kind in the world. It showcases the evolution of tile work, a ceramic discipline deeply rooted in Portuguese culture. Housed in the Madre de Deus Convent, founded by Doña Leonor, widow of John II, in 1509, the museum occupies a Manueline-style building with a notable church that underwent restoration during the reign of John III, adhering to the original Renaissance design. The Baroque decoration of the monument was later added by Joseph V.
The museum's collection comprises 7,000 pieces, including Spanish, Dutch, English, German, Belgian, and notably, Portuguese tiles from a wide range of styles such as Arab, Oriental, Rococo, Baroque, Renaissance, Modernist, Pombaline, Neoclassical, Romantic, Eclectic, Industrial, and Modern, displayed as wall panels throughout its rooms. Among the standout pieces is the Nossa Senhora da Vida, part of a Renaissance-style majolica altar depicting the Adoration of the Shepherds. Besides tiles, the museum also features ceramics, prints, and pottery tools. The permanent collection presents works by the finest tile authors of all times and manufactures from the most significant factories and workshops in Spain and Portugal. The museum is located at Rua da Madre de Deus no4, 1900-312 Lisbon, Portugal.
Information taken from the Museum's Wikipedia page.
http://www.museudoazulejo.gov.pt/
