Casa das Histórias Paula Rego

The Casa das Histórias Paula Rego Cascais (Paula Rego - House of Stories) is one of the most intriguing structures in Cascais, a building that a first appears truly of contemporary architecture but at its core is based on one of the most recognisable palaces of Portugal. The Casa das Histórias Paula Rego seems at odds to the general style of Cascais with its reserved grandeur founded on the Portuguese nobility and wealth. The Casa das Histórias Paula Rego makes a brash statement through its colour and design, though not all of conservative Cascais appreciates it.

Inside the museum art works from Paula Rego and her late husband is displayed with a larger portion dedicated to semi permanent exhibits. Unfortunately during the review of Cascais (June 2011) the Museum was between collections and only a very limited of work was on display. As with all museums in Cascais there is no entrance fee, funded by the high levels of tourism and is shut on Mondays. The staff at the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego must be commended for their enthusiasm and knowledge, a quality missing at many other Portuguese museums.

The exterior and interior of the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego should not be missed even if museums and art galleries are not the prime motive to visit Portugal. The exterior of the Casa das Histórias, Cascais is painted in a brash terracotta colour which neither blends in with the lush green surroundings of the parks or the subtle yellow of the nearby Sea Museum once the old royal lodge. The dominating features of the complex are the two towers which closely resemble chimney also painted the powerful red colour. These towers were inspired by the characteristic shape of the National Palace of Sintra which again has two district chimney towers.

Inside the interior is painted a brilliant white common in many museums that bath the art in brilliant natural light. This leads the visitor to ask an interesting question, where does all of the natural light come from as the building appears to be a windowless structure from the outside. The windows have been position as to blend in with the overall structure and not to be a focal point, so either at ground level on the corners of the complex. The cafeteria and shop are light by the large windows at the top of the towers but as the walls are painted white few visitors even consider looking up due to the loss of perspective between wall and sloping roof.

The layout of the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego is set to disorientate visitors so instead of feeling as passing in a circular route the tour is a mixture of turns and twist that of a labyrinth. The entire Casa das Histórias museum is a wonder of modern architectural design and truly should be experienced.

The permanent exhibit which I was able to observe comes from Paula Rego’s personnel collection from her 1980 collection of large mural graphic art. Paula Rego's artistic style is often compared to that of cartoon illustration. The art evokes strong emotions either of love and appreciation or simple distaste and misunderstanding; I unfortunately was of the later opinion.

Inside the Casa das Histórias is an extensive shop selling numerous books of modern art and design and the café is sleek and modern selling decent food and prices of comparable prices of the rest of Cascais. The Casa das Histórias Paula Rego was opened in September 2009 and was designed by the famous Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto Moura.