Rehabilitation and Musealisation of Casa do Passal

A proposal that privileges the preservation and appreciation of the memory of space
  • Description
  • Casa do Passal is a palace built in the 19th century and classified as a Portuguese National Monument. It stands out for its architectural eclecticism, grandeur and aristocratic character. It was the family residence of the Portuguese diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes, best known for the rescue of 30 000 refugees from Nazi persecution during World War II, many of whom received shelter in this house. Considering the recent refurbishment of the fronts and roof, the goal of this intervention was to rehabilitate and reformulate interior spaces. The rehabilitation of the palace – comprising
  •  
  • one basement, two upper floors and an attic with mansard ceiling – focused on the preservation and restoration of the most emblematic spaces and of their original features, namely the main atrium and its majestic staircase, taking into account the décor of the period and illustrating the domestic environment that Aristides de Sousa Mendes would have experienced. The remaining spaces around the main atrium and staircase were adapted to new functions – giving place to permanent and temporary exhibition rooms, ticket office, shop, library, restoration workshop, multipurpose room, work and research offices,
  •  
  • among others – reinterpreting the distinctive features of the original divisions with a contemporary approach. In summary, the proposal privileged the preservation and appreciation of the memory of space, of the man that was Aristides de Sousa Mendes and of his actions, simultaneously betting on original and attractive programmatic innovation. The project materialised a space of awareness that stimulates reflection on human values and on the strength of one man motivated by altruism and the courage of his convictions.