The Palacete dos Viscondes de Balsemão is an elegant historic building located at Praça de Carlos Alberto 71, in the heart of Porto. Built in the mid-18th century by the nobleman José Alvo Brandão, the palace passed to the Balsemão family through marriage and became known for hosting King Carlo Alberto of Savoy in 1849.

Since 2010, the palace has been home to the Banco de Materiais, an initiative of the Municipality of Porto dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the city's architectural heritage. This space exhibits a wide range of construction and decorative materials recovered from historic buildings, including: Azulejos (glazed tiles) from different eras, including Hispano-Arabic specimens and traditional Portuguese motifs. Stucco elements, such as cornices and mural decorations. Artifacts in iron, wood, and stone from demolished or restored structures. Historical toponymic plaques (street signs) recovered from public roads.

This collection offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city's material history and its architectural evolution over time.