Albuquerque Foundation

Albuquerque Foundation is a cultural and creative institution dedicated entirely to ceramics as a vibrant art form. It is located within a traditional Quinta (estate) in the Sintra Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established as the permanent home of the prestigious Albuquerque Collection of Chinese Ceramics—the world’s most significant private collection of Ming and Qing Dynasty export porcelain with 2,600 pieces—the Foundation also supports artist residencies and temporary exhibitions featuring both emerging and established artists working in ceramics. The Foundation promotes the study and appreciation of ceramics through a rich public program that includes educational activities, events, and a residency program exploring both the historical and contemporary dimensions of the medium. The architectural design builds a delicate connection between time and space, creating a pleasant and engaging journey through the history and beauty of a unique collection—brought to life through its interaction with architecture and contemporary art exhibitions. Set on the former Quinta de São João—a traditional estate known for its expansive gardens—the project preserves and celebrates the site's character. Acting as a subtle link between different ground levels, the intervention integrates the gardens, highlighting their presence throughout the entire journey. The existing residence was restored and repurposed to house a restaurant, library, shop, and accommodations for artists. New pavilions were built to support a dynamic program that includes parts of the collection on display, archival facilities, workshop and study rooms, technical areas, and galleries for guest artists. The main building is partially hidden in the underground and only reveals itself through its sloping roof, that echoes the topography and defines a covered plaza marking the visitor’s arrival. In the exhibition area, a display window provides a glimpse into the preservation room housing parts of the collection. The secondary pavilion concludes the journey, hosting temporary exhibitions of modern art that connect with the permanent displays. To support the diverse and dynamic cultural program, the space was designed to be highly adaptable.