Hospital Miguel Bombarda, Mental health museum in Santo António, Portugal
The Museu Miguel Bombarda occupies a circular 1896 building that was once part of a hospital complex, featuring rounded edges and an open central courtyard. The space displays medical equipment, furniture, and archives that trace the development of psychiatric care.
The building was constructed in 1896 as part of Portugal's first psychiatric hospital, which opened in 1848 and served patients for over 150 years. The museum itself was founded in 2004 to preserve the history of this institution and its patients.
The museum displays patient artwork spanning different periods, showing how creative expression documented approaches to care over time. These works offer visitors direct insight into personal experiences within psychiatric treatment.
The museum is accessible on specific days and set times, with group tours available on request. Visitors should check opening hours in advance to plan their visit.
The main building follows a panoptic design with a circular floor plan and consistently rounded corners, a rare example of this architecture globally. This construction method was deliberately chosen to prevent injuries and create a safer environment for patients.
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