On 18 May, the International Museum Day is celebrated, with the aim of highlighting the work and role of museums in safeguarding the cultural heritage of humanity.

For the 2026 edition, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) proposed the theme “Museums as connectors in a divided world”, expressing the role of museums in promoting dialogue and understanding in an increasingly fragmented world.

As usual, the Vila do Conde Museum joins this celebration by promoting the following programme of activities:

14 MAY | 2:30 PM

Theatre performance “The Return of the Nau Crew”
Students from the Canelas School Group
Young people from the Canelas Social Inclusion Centre
Alfândega Régia – Museum of Naval Construction
Free admission

15 MAY | 9:30 PM

Orquestra XXI Soloists
Alfândega Régia – Museum of Naval Construction
Free admission

16 MAY

10:00 AM
Yoga at the Museum: Open Class in the Garden of the Museum of Bobbin Lace
Pre-registration required, subject to confirmation: yogaviladoconde@gmail.com

3:00 PM
Workshop “Abayomi Cloth Dolls – Encounter of Two Brothers: Africa and Brazil”
Nau Quinhentista
Pre-registration required, subject to confirmation: museus@cm-viladoconde.pt

9:30 PM
Classical Guitar Concert “HOMENAJE A DANIEL FORTEA (1878–1953)”
Ivana Oliva
Alfândega Régia – Museum of Naval Construction
Free admission

17 MAY

3:00 PM & 4:30 PM
Dramatised visits
José Régio House
Pre-registration required, subject to confirmation: museus@cm-viladoconde.pt

5:00 PM
Book launch: “Os Trocado”
Alfândega Régia – Museum of Naval Construction
Free admission

23 MAY | Museum Night | 9:30 PM

“Night at the Nau Quinhentista” – Dramatised visit
Nau Quinhentista