Galeria Municipal (Galeria Municipal do Antigo Banco de Portugal), Setúbal
The Galeria Municipal is an important museum in Setúbal.
It houses a diverse collection of exhibits and also treasures from the Igreja de Jesus while it is undergoing long-term restoration.
History
The Galeria Municipal is housed in a grand red and white former Bank of Portugal building.
Besides its permanent collection the gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions. The permanent collection includes works by regional artists. The building served as a bank from 1917 until 1994 and opened as a museum in 2013.
The bank was designed by Arnaldo Adães Bermudes and has several Art Nouveau features. While the Igreja de Jesus is undergoing restoration, its treasures of Renaissance religious paintings, vestments and statues are on display here in an exhibition entitled the Treasures of the Setubal Museum / Convent of Jesus.
The collection includes the painted altarpiece of the church as well as archaeological finds.
Nearby
The museum is close to the Praça de Bocage, the Câmara Municipal de Setúbal and the Igreja de São Julião (St. Julian's Church) with its fine Manueline doorway.
A short walk west along Av. Luísa Todi is the Casa da Baía, an 18th century building, and former refuge for orphans and widows, that has been completely restored. It serves now as a cafe, art space and center for local tourism promotion. Also nearby is a monument to Luísa Todi (1753-1833), a famous opera singer born in the city.
Other places of interest in Setúbal include the Casa de Bocage, the Igreja de Sãnta Maria, and the excellent Museu do Trabalho Michel Giacometti.
To get to Setúbal take a Fertagus Line from any of Roma-Areeiro, Entrecampos, Sete Rios or Campolide.
The square is a 20 minute walk from Setúbal Station.
Hotels in Setúbal
There is a grouping of hotels located near Setúbal Station including the recommended four star Meliá Setúbal Hotel, the Hotel Arangues, three stars and the four star Luna Esperanca Centro Hotel.
Another popular hotel is the Hotel Solaris in a fine, period building near the Casa da Baía.
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