Two Brothers and an Impossible Dream
You're standing in one of Portugal's most unusual museums. Art and automobiles under one roof. Picassos next to Bugattis. Flemish tapestries down the hall from racing Ferraris. Most museums pick a lane. This one said: why not both?
The story starts with two brothers, Abel and João de Lacerda, who grew up in Caramulo in the 1920s and 30s. Their father was Dr. Jerónimo de Lacerda, a physician who had built a network of sanatoriums here in the mountains. Clean air at 800 meters elevation, perfect for treating respiratory ailments. By the 1950s, Caramulo had become a significant health resort town.
But Abel, the older brother, studied economics and fell in love with art. In 1953, at just 32 years old, he had what people called a "utopian idea": create a museum funded entirely by private donations. Almost unheard of in Portugal at the time.
Working with what he called "only scanty resources," Abel spent four years assembling donors and artworks. About 100 donors contributed 150 pieces. He traveled across Europe, building relationships with artists and collectors. In 1954, he even rescued an entire 18th century stone cloister from a ruined monastery and transported it here, piece by piece.
Tragically, Abel died in an accident in 1957, just as construction was beginning. He never saw his museum open.
His younger brother João, trained as a physician, made a life changing decision. He abandoned his medical career and dedicated himself to completing Abel's vision. With help from donors and friends, the art museum opened in 1959.
But João had his own passion: automobiles. He'd started collecting vintage cars in the mid 1950s, and by 1970, he'd built a separate automobile museum to house his growing collection.
Today, the Fundação Abel e João de Lacerda operates both museums, honoring both brothers' dreams. Over 1.5 million visitors have passed through since opening. You're about to see what happens when two brothers refuse to accept limitations, when they believe a small mountain town can house world class collections.
Let's start exploring.
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