Fundação Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva

In Praça das Amoreiras, Lisbon, the Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva Foundation occupies the former Silk Textile Factory, a spacious Pombaline house linked to an early 20th-century industrial structure. It was Maria Helena Vieira da Silva who chose this building to hold her memory, that of Arpad Szenes and an essential part of her artistic legacy. The idea emerged after Arpad’s death in 1985 and developed from a study centre into a museum dedicated to the two painters. The Foundation was established in 1990 and opened to the public on 4 November 1994. The collection brings together painting, drawing and printmaking, covering Arpad Szenes’s production from 1911 to 1985 and Vieira da Silva’s from 1926 to 1986, with later prints by the artist. The Documentation and Research Centre preserves photographs, correspondence, manuscripts and other materials that extend the study of the couple’s work.

Why it matters

The Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva Foundation, located in the heart of Lisbon, is dedicated to the lives and works of two remarkable 20th-century artists: Maria Helena Vieira da Silva and her husband Arpad Szenes. Vieira da Silva, born in Lisbon in 1908, is one of the most important Portuguese painters, known for her unique style of geometric abstraction. Arpad Szenes, a Hungarian painter born in 1897, also had a notable career, influenced by expressionism and surrealism. The couple spent much of their lives in Paris, where they were actively involved in the European art movement of the 20th century. The foundation was inaugurated in 1994, after both artists had passed away, with the aim of preserving and promoting their artistic legacy. The building that houses the foundation is the former Royal Silk Factory, an 18th-century construction that was restored to accommodate the artists' collection.

Architecture and history

The building of the Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva Foundation combines historical elements with a modern adaptation to function as a museum space. The restoration of the building preserved the original 18th-century facade, maintaining architectural details such as the carved wooden windows and doors and stone masonry. The interior, however, was adapted to create a suitable environment for art exhibitions, with spacious and well-lit areas. The structure includes several exhibition rooms, an auditorium, and a library specialising in modern and contemporary art. The foundation also has a garden that offers a tranquil and introspective environment, complementing the artistic experience inside. The white walls and light wooden floors provide an elegant contrast to the colourful and detailed works of Vieira da Silva and Szenes.

More context

At the Arpad Szenes-Vieira da Silva Foundation, visitors can explore a vast collection of paintings, drawings, and prints by the two artists. The permanent exhibition features a representative selection of Vieira da Silva's work, including her famous abstract compositions that explore the complexity of space and light. Szenes' works are also prominently displayed, showcasing the evolution of his style over the years. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the foundation regularly organises temporary exhibitions that highlight other contemporary artists and relevant themes in modern art. The library is another point of interest, especially for art students and researchers, offering a vast collection of books, catalogues, and documents on the life and work of Vieira da Silva and Szenes, as well as on 20th-century art history. To complement the visit, the on-site café provides a pleasant space to relax and reflect on the artworks seen, with a charming view of the garden. The foundation also promotes workshops, lectures, and cultural events, making it a dynamic meeting point for art lovers in Lisbon.