Portimão Museum

Take a step back in time and learn about the canning industry of the Algarve at the award-winning museum on the riverside in Portimão.

You don't need to know anything about the history of the Algarve to enjoy this museum which not only looks at the famous tinning industry but also has small exhibits showing examples of the boat building industry of Portimão, items from the megalithic period and other artifacts and interesting pictures.

This is a perfect destination on a less than sunny day in the Algarve or alternatively a trip to the museum could be part of a walk along the riverside in Portimão on a sunny day.

The museum is not the biggest place in the world so do not walk in expecting something along the lines of the Natural History Museum, however by being smaller this museum is ideal for families with children (and adults) with short attention spans as there is enough to see but not too much to be overwhelmed by.

If you are not sure where the museum is then walk along the river front to the Clube Naval and behind this is the museum. From the roadside it is the big old black and white building but the entrance is on the river side and is a modern, glass fronted building.

Inside you will be given a guide to the exhibits in your chosen language and the staff will help out where they can.

Unfortunately there is limited translation of Portuguese into other languages with really only a little English being used to explain what is on show. If you are able to understand Portuguese then you will get more out of the experience but not speaking Portuguese will not stop you from enjoying the museum.

There is a brilliant film about the canning factory that plays on rotation in the centre of the museum which shows exactly how it used to be when the factory was fully operational.  Again - it is in Portuguese only but even if you don't understand what is being said you will love the vintage images.

While the museum has a whole area dedicated to explaining the canning process of the past one of the best parts of the museum is the underground path which is suitably creepy for older children and informative for adults.

As well as the main museum there are also temporary exhibition rooms at the museum with different shows throughout the year. One of the most popular of these shows the photos of the local Portimão photographic competition as well as other photo exhibits both national and international.

A trip to the museum is not a costly one for the family with it costing €3 for adults, €1.50 for 16-25 year olds, €1.50 for over 65´s and free for children under 16. It is also free for everyone on Sundays between 10am and 2pm.

The museum has different opening times for the high season and the rest of the year but is closed on Mondays.

September 1 – July 14: Tuesdays 2.30pm until 6pm, Wednesdays to Sundays 10am until 6pm.

July 15 – August 31: Tuesdays 7.30pm – 11pm, Wednesdays to Sundays 3pm until 11pm.

For further information about the museum please call 282 405 230 or email museu@cm-portimao.pt