The National Museum of Ancient Art in Santos houses Portugal's most prized art collection, including Portuguese sculptures and paintings from the 13th-19th centuries. Also on display are European paintings, ceramics and textiles, and art treasures from former colonies.
The National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga), also known as the Green Shutter Museum (Museu das Janelas Verdes), is located in a 17th-century palace in the Chiado district. The paintings include works by master Portuguese painters such as S Vicente de Fora, Gregório Lopes, Viera Portuense and Domingos António Sequeira. Other European painters featured include Van der Goes, Hieronymus Bosch and Hans Holbein.
The decorative arts include nearly 3200 pieces of goldsmith work by Portuguese and French artists from the 12th-19th centuries; 1200 pieces of jewellery made for the Portuguese nobility; 1700 pieces of furniture from Portugal, Europe and the Far East; 7500 ceramic pieces, including fine porcelain from around the world and 4500 textile works.
Visitors with plenty of time can enjoy the exhibits at their leisure, but the museum also suggests a quick tour, taking in the "top ten" exhibits. As well as the permanent collection, there are also temporary shows.