It was originally a 13C convent, transformed into a contemporary art museum in 1911. Following a fire in 1988, it was refurbished by the French architect, J.M. Wilmotte, who created open spaces, linked by connecting passageways which enable the building's original structure to be seen. The museum has a collection of paintings, sculpture and drawings, principally by Portuguese artists, dating from the period between 1850 and 1950. It also has a gallery for temporary exhibitions. Note the statue by Rodin, The Bronze Age in the entrance hall.