Rua João Mendonça Art Nouveau Row
Discover Aveiro's Art Nouveau charm at the Casa Major Pessoa, a stunning architectural gem showcasing vibrant tile work and elegant design.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Rua João Mendonça Art Nouveau Row
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Aveiro's Art Nouveau charm at the Casa Major Pessoa, a stunning architectural gem showcasing vibrant tile work and elegant design.
"A true hidden gem on Aveiro, take the audioguide and also watch the film to learn more about Arte Nova."
🎟️ Museum Pass Value
Your ticket often includes the main Aveiro Municipal Museum too. Great value for art lovers!
🚶♂️ Explore the Row
Don't just visit the museum; wander down Rua João Mendonça to admire other Art Nouveau facades.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Building Itself
Exterior and Interior
A stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture, the Casa Major Pessoa is a feast for the eyes, inside and out.

Vibrant Tile Work
Museum Exhibits
Immerse yourself in the colorful and intricate tile designs that define this artistic movement.

Interpretive Center
Museum Interior
Learn about the history and significance of Art Nouveau in Aveiro through engaging exhibits and films.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Ticket & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Museum Pass Value
Your ticket often includes the main Aveiro Municipal Museum too. Great value for art lovers!
🚶♂️ Explore the Row
Don't just visit the museum; wander down Rua João Mendonça to admire other Art Nouveau facades.
🎧 Audioguide Recommended
Enhance your understanding of the exhibits with the available audioguide.
🎬 Watch the Film
A short film provides great context about Art Nouveau in Aveiro.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Museum Pass Value
Your ticket often includes the main Aveiro Municipal Museum too. Great value for art lovers!
🚶♂️ Explore the Row
Don't just visit the museum; wander down Rua João Mendonça to admire other Art Nouveau facades.
🎧 Audioguide Recommended
Enhance your understanding of the exhibits with the available audioguide.
🎬 Watch the Film
A short film provides great context about Art Nouveau in Aveiro.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Art Nouveau Museum for its beautiful architecture and colorful tile work, calling it a 'hidden gem' and a worthwhile stop in Aveiro. The value of the ticket, often including another museum, is frequently highlighted. Some guests found the elevator operation unusual and noted an instance of unfriendliness from staff regarding restroom use.
"Such a beautiful museum filled with colors and tile work. I loved walking around the exhibits, I will say they have an elevator but it’s very small and you have to hold down the button until you reach the floor you want or it will stop midway lol but despite that, it was well worth the visit."
Gaby Espi
"Originally built between 1907 and 1909 as the Casa Major Pessoa, this building was acquired and renovated by the Municipality of Aveiro in 2008, and officially opened as a museum in 2012. The architectural design was created by Francisco Augusto da Silva Rocha. Today, the museum serves as the interpretive center for Art Nouveau in Aveiro, with the building itself functioning as a central exhibit due to its remarkable architectural value.
※ Included in Aveiro Museum Pass."
Seokjin Ham
"If I could rate a ZERO I certainly would! Visiting Porto in Portugal & took a 1/2 day bus tour to Aveiro & Costa Nova. Before leaving Aveiro & an hour ride back to Porto, our tour guide informed us the public restroom was unavailable. Museu Arte Nova was just down the street.The tour guide accompanied my sister & I there to ask if we could use the restroom given the circumstance. They refused though the tour guide sternly reminded them by law it’s required. After using their facility both of us politely said “Obrigada” (thank you) to the ticket person who FROWNED at both of us & looked downward. As a result, I’m giving this review to inform them they should be more tolerant of potential customers who could potentially provide 5 star ratings for their kindness & generosity. Not good Museu Arte Nova!😟"
Janice Breaux
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rua João Mendonça is located in the heart of Aveiro. It's easily accessible on foot from the city center and the main transport hubs. If arriving by car, be aware that parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging, so consider using public parking lots a short walk away.
Yes, the museum, housed in the Casa Major Pessoa, is a prominent building on the street. Look for its distinctive architecture. It's well-signposted within the city.
Absolutely! The Aveiro train station is about a 15-20 minute walk from Rua João Mendonça. It's a pleasant stroll through the city, allowing you to get a feel for Aveiro.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum typically operates from Tuesday to Sunday, with hours usually from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. It's always best to check the official Aveiro Municipal website for the most current hours, as they can vary seasonally.
The admission fee is quite reasonable, often around €5. Importantly, this ticket usually grants you entry to the main Aveiro Municipal Museum as well, offering excellent value.
For most visits, booking in advance isn't strictly necessary, especially on weekdays. However, during peak tourist season or on weekends, it might be advisable to purchase tickets upon arrival to avoid potential queues.
The museum has an elevator, but it's noted to be very small and requires holding the button continuously. Visitors with mobility concerns should be aware of this unique operational aspect.
Yes, the museum is often included in the Aveiro Museum Pass, which can be a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple museums in the area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases the Art Nouveau style through its architecture, decorative arts, and historical context of Aveiro. You'll see beautiful tile work, furniture, and learn about the period. The building itself is a primary exhibit.
A visit typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your interest level and whether you use the audioguide or watch the accompanying film.
Restroom facilities are available within the museum. However, there have been reports of staff being unaccommodating to non-visitors needing to use the facilities, so it's best to be a patron if possible.
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted inside the museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure, especially regarding flash photography.
Many visitors recommend using the audioguide and watching the short film to gain a deeper appreciation for the Art Nouveau movement in Aveiro.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Aveiro is known for its culinary scene. You'll find numerous cafes and restaurants in the vicinity of Rua João Mendonça, offering local specialties like fresh seafood and the famous ovos moles.
Don't leave Aveiro without trying 'ovos moles,' a sweet egg yolk and sugar confection. Freshly grilled sardines and other seafood dishes are also highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire street is a photo opportunity! Focus on the intricate details of the Art Nouveau facades, the colorful tile work, and the unique architectural elements. The museum building itself is a prime subject.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the colors and textures of the buildings. Weekday mornings will also offer fewer people in your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Nouveau Movement in Aveiro
The Museu Arte Nova, housed in the Casa Major Pessoa, serves as the city's interpretive center for this movement. Originally built between 1907 and 1909, the building itself is a masterpiece designed by Francisco Augusto da Silva Rocha. Its acquisition and renovation by the Municipality of Aveiro in 2008 have preserved this architectural gem for future generations to appreciate. The museum offers a deep dive into the era, with exhibits that highlight the decorative arts and the lifestyle associated with Art Nouveau.
Beyond the museum, simply strolling down Rua João Mendonça and its surrounding streets reveals other examples of this architectural style. Look for the distinctive ironwork, stained glass, and decorative ceramic tiles that adorn the facades, offering a glimpse into Aveiro's elegant past. It's a charming area that provides a unique visual experience for visitors interested in architecture and history.
Visiting the Art Nouveau Museum: Practicalities
Visitors have noted that the museum's elevator is quite small and requires continuous operation of the button to reach the desired floor. This is a unique feature to be aware of, especially for those who rely on elevators. Despite this minor inconvenience, the overall experience is highly regarded, with many praising the museum as a 'hidden gem' and well worth the visit for its artistic and architectural merit.
To fully appreciate the museum, consider utilizing the audioguide and watching the short film provided. These resources offer valuable context and insights into the Art Nouveau movement and its significance in Aveiro, enriching the visitor's understanding and enjoyment of the collection.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit