The Soares dos Reis National Museum houses paintings, sculpture, ceramics, goldsmithing, textiles, and glass, including works by Aurélia de Souza, Henrique Pousão, and Soares dos Reis, plus religious art.

Founded in 1833 as the Museum of Paintings and Prints, it was later renamed to honor Soares dos Reis, became a National Museum in 1932, and has been based in the Carrancas Palace since 1940.

It expanded to include modern and contemporary art in the mid-20th century, was enlarged in 2001, and reopened with a refreshed display in 2023.