Museu Francisco Tavares Proença Júnior, Archaeological and textile museum in Castelo Branco, Portugal
The Museu Francisco Tavares Proença Júnior is an archaeological and textile museum in Castelo Branco housed in a former Episcopal Palace, displaying collections of archaeological finds, religious garments, and traditional Portuguese textiles. The building also includes a specialized library and a workspace where traditional embroidered pieces are created following historical patterns.
The museum was founded in 1910 by archaeologist Francisco Tavares Proença Júnior and moved to the Episcopal Palace in 1971. This relocation allowed for a broader presentation of the expanding archaeological and textile collections.
The collections display embroidered bedspreads from the region featuring silk stitching with couples, birds, and plant designs that reflect local textile traditions. These pieces show how the craft has remained connected to daily life and artistic expression in the area.
The museum is easiest to visit Tuesday through Sunday, with opening hours split into two separate time windows in the morning and afternoon. Guided tours are available and the specialized library can be used for research and deeper understanding of the collections.
The museum operates a workshop where visitors can watch traditional embroideries being created using historical techniques and purchase authentic pieces directly. This active on-site production shows how the old craft tradition remains alive today.
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