The Machado de Castro National Museum, housed in the former Episcopal Palace of Coimbra, is a testament to the seamless integration of historical architecture with contemporary design. Gonçalo Byrne’s vision for the museum’s renovation and expansion was to honor the building’s rich architectural heritage while creating a dynamic space that bridges the past and present. Byrne’s design philosophy centered on highlighting the building’s layered history, emphasizing the segmentation of its various architectural phases. He sought to maintain the narrative of time’s passage, ensuring that each historical layer was both preserved and celebrated.

Byrne’s approach was to create a “museological architectural promenade,” where visitors could experience the building’s evolution through its spatial and structural elements. The design incorporates a remarkable cryptoportico from the late imperial Roman period, a Romanesque cathedral with its 12th-century cloister, and a mannerist loggia designed by Filipe Terzio in the 16th century. These elements are not merely preserved but are woven into the museum’s narrative, allowing visitors to engage with the building’s history in a meaningful way.

The architect’s use of materials and spatial design enhances the building’s interaction with its surroundings. Byrne employed a palette that respects the original materials while introducing contemporary elements that complement the historical context. The museum’s design encourages exploration, with carefully crafted transitions between different historical periods, creating a dialogue between the old and the new.

Byrne described his work as creating “overlaps” between historical layers, linking them to the present. This approach not only preserves the building’s historical significance but also transforms it into a living museum, where the architecture itself becomes an exhibit. The Machado de Castro National Museum stands as a symbol of Coimbra’s evolving identity, a place where history and modernity coexist in harmony.