The Municipal Museum of Portalegre appeared in 1918, but only opened its doors to the public on the 28th of May 1961. The collections of the museum were formed, in one hand, by the heritage from the religious houses of the city (especially the monastery of Saint Bernard and the convent of Saint Clara); on the other hand by generous donations of private collectors. Its establishment as a privileged cultural space in the city of Portalegre also reflects government policies, both regarding the preservation of artistic heritage, as well as developing new dynamics through cultural tourism.