Fundação Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva

The Fundação Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva is housed in the former 18th century Royal Silk Factory at the Jardim das Amoreiras. It is dedicated to the work of artists Arpad Szenes (1897-1985) and Vieira da Silva (1908-1992).

History

Arpad Szenes of Hungarian-Jewish descent and Vieira da Silva from Lisbon in Portugal married in Paris in 1930. Both were abstractionist painters. During World War II they moved to Lisbon and then on to Brazil before returning to Europe, settling back in Paris.

Exhibits

The two story museum's collection covers a long period of painting and drawing by the two artists: from 1911 to 1985, for Árpád Szenes, and from 1926 to 1986, for Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, as well as engravings by Vieira da Silva from 1990-1991, just before her death.

The collection covers the various stages of the artists' careers both in Europe and South America - "a shared life mirrored in painting."

The Fundação Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva was inaugurated in 1994 with the help of then President Mário Soares, Lisbon City Council, the Luso-American Foundation and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

The museum contains a shop selling posters, household items, bags and azulejos tiles based on the work of both artists.

The small Vieira Cafe in the museum serves a combination of French and Portuguese cuisine including salads, toasts, sandwiches as well as scones with tea or cakes. The cafeteria also offers a catering and take-away service.

The Fundação Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva is adjacent to the Jardim das Amoreiras and very close to the Mãe d'Água das Amoreiras Reservoir and the small Capela de Nossa Senhora de Monserrate church beneath one of the arches of the Aqueduto das Águas Livres.

Arpad Szenes and Vieira da Silva's work can also be seen decorating nearby Rato Station on the Lisbon metro. Vieira da Silva is also responsible for the painted tile panel "Le Métro" at Cidade Universitária Station.