Vista Alegre presents Towards Infinity – Vista Alegre, 200 Years of Creativity to pay homage to the iconic Portuguese brand’s bicentennial legacy. Held at the most fitting venue, Ajuda National Palace, this exhibition, open until May 31, 2025, is a meticulously curated celebration of Vista Alegre’s artistry and ingenuity.
Guided by curators Filipa Oliveira and Anísio Franco, with insight from Vista Alegre Museum’s Director Filipa Quatorze, the showcase weaves together over 400 artifacts to tell a compelling story of heritage and innovation.
Visitors are greeted in the D. João IV Room, where contemporary collections of furniture, crystal, lighting, and porcelain reveal the brand’s vision for the future. From here, the narrative deepens in the Ambassadors’ Room, a majestic space that explores Vista Alegre’s historical journey through its timeless creations.
Iconic pieces, such as a gold and pink Cup with Saucer adorned with allegorical figures, sit alongside a treasured set from the factory’s first production batch—crafted for Infanta Dona Isabel Maria. Other highlights include masterpieces by celebrated Portuguese artists like Júlio Pomar and Eduardo Nery, underscoring the brand’s longstanding commitment to artistic collaboration.
A particularly notable element of the exhibition is Clare Twomey’s Continuum, a bespoke installation that honors Vista Alegre’s dedication to craftsmanship. The work reflects the transformative process of organic materials in art, encapsulating the brand’s ethos of innovation rooted in tradition.
In the Chapel, the third and final room, a cascade of liquid ceramic flows, accompanied by soundscapes that reflect the brilliance and fluidity of porcelain. The experience is made even more tangible with live demonstrations by Vista Alegre painters, showcasing the precision and skill that define the brand’s work.
Established in 1824 by José Ferreira Pinto Basto, Vista Alegre has carved its place as a symbol of Portuguese excellence. The brand’s resilience and ability to adapt to changing times have been pivotal to its survival and success.
Following its revitalization by Grupo Visabeira in 2009, Vista Alegre has not only preserved its heritage but also embraced a forward-thinking approach. This duality is reflected in its global partnerships with leading artists and fashion houses, such as Christian Lacroix and Oscar de la Renta, and its consistent recognition by prestigious awards, including the German Design Awards and Good Design Chicago Awards.
Open from Thursday to Tuesday, the exhibition is open from 10 am to 6pm.
