First comes flour. Then the water. Salt. Yeast. Putting in wisdom and heart, hands that knead time and again, the dough that rises and takes shape, history and memories.
the bread cycle
The Bread Cycle room recreates the traditional cycle of Portuguese bread in its historical context, through 14 illustrated panels. There are also implements and utensils that attest to the fact that making bread was originally a handcrafting process.
The baker’s baskets, the pastry bicycle that distributed the bread, the scales, the sayings, and the recitations of the past side by side with the different cereals you are invited to touch, so you can experience their texture. In this room, the mills that are constantly at work make the magical sound of times gone by, reminding us of a past still so close at hand.
art of bread
Art has been marked by its inspiration in bread as an expression of ideas, emotions, and world views. Among a collection of objects made of tile, silver, ceramic, glass, and wood, highlights also include stamps, iconography, post cards, and sacred art always connected with bread in a centuries-old tradition. And painting, by the paintbrush of Velhô, the Portuguese painter whose colour and stroke restore to the land its poetry.
This room also hosts the museum’s temporary exhibitions. Find out more about them here.
political, social, and religious bread
Three hundred years of the history of bread are reviewed here through hundreds of original documents that reconstruct the history of bread in Portugal, from the restoration of independence to the restoration of democracy.
In religion, bread is often linked to that which is sacred, evidence of its importance as an ancient staple, not just for the body, but especially as a spiritual basis that symbolizes life, renewal, prosperity, humility, and sacrifice.
Fernando Pessoa’s writing desk and a rare first edition of his book, Message (Mensagem), are exhibited here, both on display to the public thanks to their integration in the Museum’s permanent exhibition. This personal object, where the poet found inspiration to write his works was acquired at auction from his family, as were his iconic spectacles, currently on loan to the famous A Brasileira do Chiado café in Lisbon. These pieces contribute to bringing art to all people as part of an initiative that not only promotes decentralization, taking culture to the Portuguese countryside, but also through the association of the works with Museu do Pão’s projects and narrative.
the wonderful world
of the hermians
Time to get your hands dirty—literally!
This themed space is especially dedicated to younger visitors; an educational room that ends up charming young and old alike! Here, the gnomes of the tribe of the Hermians, the protectors of the first inhabitants of the Herminian mountain range, beckon to take an imaginary mythical journey to the past of bread, full of movement, light, colour, and fantasy.
A space where history and legend intersect, where bread passes before our eyes and through our hands. At the end of the visit, it’s time to get hands dirty and make your own bread, which is baked in the oven; then, you can take this little bit of magic home.