Albuquerque Foundation opens in Sintra with rare chinese ceramics

The foundation is housed in a restored traditional Quinta, blending historical preservation with a contemporary architectural expansion designed by Brazilian firm Bernardes Arquitetura.

Last Saturday, February 22, marked the official public opening of The Albuquerque Foundation, located in Linhó, Sintra.

Housing the world’s largest private collection of exported Chinese porcelain, the foundation is set to position the region at the heart of ceramic art and history through permanent exhibitions, guest showcases, and artist residencies for specialists in the field.

The project is spearheaded by Mariana Teixeira de Albuquerque, president of the foundation’s Board of Directors and granddaughter of Renato Albuquerque.

The Brazilian businessman, known for his role in urban development, spent nearly seven decades amassing an extraordinary collection of over 2,600 pieces of Chinese export porcelain from the 16th to 18th centuries, spanning the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Mariana Teixeira de Albuquerque, an experienced art professional with a background in human rights law, was instrumental in transforming her family's holiday estate into a cultural institution.

The foundation is housed in a restored traditional Quinta, blending historical preservation with a contemporary architectural expansion designed by Brazilian firm Bernardes Arquitetura.

The renovation successfully maintains the estate’s authenticity while incorporating a new exhibition wing, specialist library, restaurant, and concept store.

A Center for Artistic Exchange and Cultural Dialogue

The Albuquerque Foundation not only showcases Renato Albuquerque’s impressive collection but also serves as a tribute to ceramics as a dynamic art form.

The institution highlights the longstanding cultural exchanges between Portugal and China, dating back to the 15th century when Portuguese explorers played a key role in global trade, including the introduction of Chinese porcelain to Europe.

At the heart of the foundation’s permanent collection are rare examples of early commissioned Chinese porcelain featuring European iconography, known as ‘First Orders.’

The foundation’s inaugural exhibition, Connections, curated by Becky MacGuire, presents significant works, including a Qing Dynasty Crab Tureen (circa 1770) and a Wanli period Ming Dynasty wine ewer modeled as a dancing lady.

Beyond historical artifacts, the foundation embraces contemporary ceramics under the artistic direction of Jacopo Crivelli Visconti.

The first contemporary exhibition, The Ever-Present Hand, features the work of acclaimed U.S. artist Theaster Gates.

Known for his multidisciplinary approach combining urban planning, sculpture, and ceramics, Gates presents a striking floor installation of black ceramic tiles made in Japan, inviting visitors to walk upon his work.

His curated selection of sculptural pieces is juxtaposed with items from the Albuquerque Collection, exploring the intersection of Black aesthetics and traditional Asian ceramics.

Gates, deeply influenced by his mentor, Japanese potter Yamaguchi Shoji, has developed the concept of Afro-Mingei, a fusion of African-American and Asian ceramic traditions.

His presence at the foundation’s opening weekend includes a live performance blending soul, gospel, and Eastern musical influences, reinforcing the cross-cultural narrative at the core of the foundation’s mission.

An Architectural and Cultural Marvel in Sintra

Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra, a region famed for its fairy-tale palaces and historic landscapes, the Albuquerque Foundation aspires to be a major cultural hub.

The estate’s original family quarters have been repurposed to accommodate artist residencies, fostering new dialogues between contemporary artists, historians, and researchers.

The foundation plans to launch its artist residency and research programs in the second half of the year, welcoming curators, scholars, and writers alongside ceramicists.

The foundation also places a strong emphasis on accessibility and education.

Open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, it offers free entry one day per week for Sintra students and guided visits for local schools. Special initiatives cater to elderly visitors, ensuring an inclusive cultural experience.

As part of the official inauguration, Renato Albuquerque, now 97 years old, was honored by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in a ceremony at the Palácio de Belém in Lisbon on Friday, acknowledging his invaluable contribution to cultural preservation.

Theaster Gates’ The Ever-Present Hand runs until June 1, 2025, while Connections, the permanent collection exhibition, remains on display until August 30, 2026.