The Museum
The Aristides de Sousa Mendes Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer (closed for lunch from 1 to 2 p.m.), and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the winter (closed from 1 to 2 p.m.): Avenida Cristo-Rei, 3430-607, Cabanas de Viriato, Portugal. Phone (+351) 232 960 497, 232 960 498.
Like a phoenix, the Museum has arisen from the ruins of the Sousa Mendes mansion, Casa do Passal. This house is an imposing mansion in the province of Beira Alta of Portugal. Built in the 19th century, it was forfeited to creditors in the 1950’s following the punishment and death of Aristides de Sousa Mendes. The house remained unoccupied ever since and succumbed to the elements. It was the dream of the Sousa Mendes family and supporters worldwide to repair the home and transform it into a museum to perpetuate the memory of Sousa Mendes and the families he saved. Through the efforts of many, spanning decades and generations, this goal has now been achieved.
The Sousa Mendes Foundation has contributed funds, expertise, artifacts, documents, photos, video testimonials, an exhibition and a library to the Aristides de Sousa Mendes Museum, and we look forward to continuing our partnership into the future. If you wish to help support these efforts, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!
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TIMELINE OF EVENTS
- 2024 – Museum inaugurated by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal and Mayor Paulo Catalino of Carregal do Sal, with exhibition curated by Claudia Ninhos and designed by Cariatides. Exhibition “The Journey that Saved Curious George” by Allan Drummond is commissioned by the Sousa Mendes Foundation.
- 2023 – Phase II of construction completed.
- 2020 – Portuguese government guarantees funds for museum completion after inducting Aristides de Sousa Mendes into the National Pantheon.
- 2018 – Architectural firm Rosmaninho & Azevedo hired to design the house renovation and conceptualize the museum.
- 2015 – European Union allocates a further €800,000 to the project.
- 2014 – Human chain surrounds the house to draw attention to its plight in the Portuguese press. Construction begins several months later with €316,000 allocated jointly by the European Union and the Portuguese government.
- 2013 – Sousa Mendes Foundation begins bringing group tours to the house and highlighting its plight in the international press. Architect Eric Moed creates temporary installation “Work Toward Fairness” at house entrance.
- 2011 – House designated as a National Monument of Portugal.
- 2001 – House acquired by Fundaçao Aristides de Sousa Mendes, with reparation funds from the Portuguese government awarded as compensation for the mistreatment of Sousa Mendes from 1940-54 by then dictator Antonio Salazar.
- 1954 – Aristides de Sousa Mendes dies, and his home is lost to creditors.
Construction Gallery — From Ruin to Repair
