In the heart of Porto's historic center, at Rua das Flores 15, you will find the MMIPO - Museu da Misericórdia do Porto, housed in the building that served as the headquarters of the philanthropic institution from the 16th century until 2013. The museum was inaugurated in July 2015, finally fulfilling the desire to preserve and share the memory of the Misericórdia after over 120 years of waiting.
The museum tour combines a visit to the Church of Misericórdia, built in Renaissance style (1559) and renovated in the 18th century by Nicolau Nasoni, with the modern Gallery of Benefactors, an emblematic example of iron and glass architecture in Porto. Inside, the exhibition rooms tell the social history of the institution and house a rich heritage of painting, sculpture, sacred art, silverware, and textiles related to the benefactors of the Misericórdia.
Among the notable pieces stands out the famous Fons Vitae, a large Flemish panel dating between 1515-17, considered an iconographic masterpiece depicting the Eucharist along with the profile of King D. Manuel I and his court. Other masterpieces include works by Josefa de Óbidos, Veloso Salgado, António Carneiro, and drawings by Nasoni.