# MU.SA - Museu das Artes de Sintra
**Wikidata**: [Q10333765](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q10333765)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mu-sa-museu-das-artes-de-sintra

## Summary
MU.SA - Museu das Artes de Sintra is an art museum and cultural heritage site located in Sintra, Portugal, housed within a building originally established in 1950. It serves as a protected component of the UNESCO Cultural Landscape of Sintra and is architecturally attributed to Manuel Joaquim Norte Júnior. The institution functions as a physical space dedicated to the exhibition of art, distinct from the administrative entity of a museum.

## Key Facts
*   **Full Name:** MU.SA - Museu das Artes de Sintra (also known as Museu de Arte Moderna, Casino de Sintra).
*   **Location:** Sintra (Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim), Portugal.
*   **Coordinates:** Latitude 38.803283, Longitude -9.382001.
*   **Inception Date:** 1950.
*   **Architect:** Manuel Joaquim Norte Júnior.
*   **Classification:** Instance of "art museum" and "cultural heritage."
*   **Heritage Status:** Included in the protected site "Cultural Landscape of Sintra" (SIPA ID: 8438).
*   **Digital Identifiers:** OpenStreetMap Way ID 49682520; Wiki Loves Monuments ID SIPA-8438.
*   **Media Presence:** Wikimedia Commons category "MU.SA - Museu das Artes de Sintra"; 2 Wikipedia sitelinks (Commons, Portuguese).
*   **Visual Assets:** Primary image available at `https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/MU.SA_-_Museu_de_Artes_de_Sintra_06.jpg`.
*   **Interior Documentation:** Specific category exists for the "Interior of MU.SA - Museu das Artes de Sintra."

## FAQs
**What is the historical origin and architectural background of MU.SA?**
The museum was established in 1950 and was designed by the architect Manuel Joaquim Norte Júnior. It is situated in Sintra, Portugal, and is recognized as a specific instance of an art museum building.

**How is the museum protected and classified within heritage systems?**
MU.SA is designated as a protected site and is an integral part of the "Cultural Landscape of Sintra." It holds the SIPA identification number 8438, linking it to the official Portuguese heritage registry.

**Where can one find digital records or images of the museum?**
The museum has a dedicated category on Wikimedia Commons and is indexed on OpenStreetMap with Way ID 49682520. It is also tracked in the Wiki Loves Monuments database under the ID SIPA-8438.

**What alternative names or aliases are associated with this entity?**
Beyond its primary name, the institution is also referred to as "Museu de Arte Moderna" and "Casino de Sintra." These aliases reflect its historical function and its focus on modern art collections.

## Why It Matters
MU.SA - Museu das Artes de Sintra plays a critical role in preserving and exhibiting art within one of Europe's most significant cultural landscapes. As a protected heritage site, it safeguards the architectural legacy of Manuel Joaquim Norte Júnior while providing a physical venue for the public display of art collections. Its inclusion in the Cultural Landscape of Sintra underscores its importance as a cultural node that bridges historical preservation with contemporary artistic expression. The museum serves as a tangible link between the local community of Sintra and the broader field of art history, ensuring that the region's artistic heritage remains accessible and documented.

## Notable For
*   **Architectural Heritage:** Designed by Manuel Joaquim Norte Júnior, representing a specific mid-20th-century architectural typology in Sintra.
*   **Protected Status:** Formally included in the "Cultural Landscape of Sintra," a UNESCO World Heritage context.
*   **Historical Continuity:** Established in 1950, marking over seven decades of operation as a cultural institution.
*   **Multi-Identity Function:** Historically known as the "Casino de Sintra," reflecting its evolution from a social venue to a dedicated art museum.
*   **Digital Traceability:** Fully indexed in major open-data platforms including OpenStreetMap and Wiki Loves Monuments.
*   **Regional Specificity:** Located in the specific parishes of Santa Maria e São Miguel and São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim.

## Body

### Identity and Classification
MU.SA - Museu das Artes de Sintra is formally classified as an art museum and a cultural heritage site. The entity is distinct from the administrative institution of a museum, focusing instead on the physical building and space dedicated to art exhibition. It is recognized as an instance of "art museum" and holds the status of "cultural heritage." The museum is also known by several aliases, including "Museu de Arte Moderna" and "Casino de Sintra," reflecting its diverse historical and functional identity.

### Location and Geography
The museum is situated in the municipality of Sintra, Portugal, specifically within the civil parishes of Santa Maria e São Miguel and São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim. Its precise geographic coordinates are latitude 38.803283 and longitude -9.382001. This location places it within the broader context of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and the Cultural Landscape of Sintra. The country of Portugal, where the museum resides, is a sovereign state in Southwestern Europe with Lisbon as its capital.

### History and Architecture
The institution traces its inception to the year 1950. The building was designed by the architect Manuel Joaquim Norte Júnior, whose work contributes to the architectural fabric of Sintra. The structure has evolved over time, transitioning from its original designation as the "Casino de Sintra" to its current role as a museum dedicated to the arts. This transformation highlights the adaptive reuse of cultural spaces within the region.

### Heritage and Protection
MU.SA holds a significant status as a protected site. It is explicitly included in the "Cultural Landscape of Sintra," a designation that recognizes the area's unique interaction between nature and human creativity. The museum is assigned the SIPA ID 8438, which links it to the Portuguese inventory of architectural heritage. This protection ensures the preservation of both the building's structure and its role within the historic landscape.

### Digital Presence and Documentation
The museum maintains a presence in various digital knowledge bases and mapping services. On OpenStreetMap, the building is identified by Way ID 49682520. It is also cataloged in the Wiki Loves Monuments initiative under the ID SIPA-8438, facilitating its inclusion in global heritage photography campaigns. Wikimedia Commons hosts a dedicated category titled "MU.SA - Museu das Artes de Sintra," which contains visual documentation of the site, including a primary image of the exterior. Additionally, a specific category exists for the "Interior of MU.SA - Museu das Artes de Sintra," allowing for detailed archival of the internal spaces.

### Administrative and Technical Data
The entity is tracked with specific technical identifiers across different platforms. The Wikipedia sitelink count for this specific entity is 2, covering the Commons and Portuguese language versions. The museum's location is further defined by its inclusion in the administrative divisions of Sintra, which itself is part of the larger district system of Portugal. The country of Portugal uses the Euro as its currency and has an international calling code of +351, providing the broader logistical context for the museum's operations.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.monumentos.gov.pt/site/app_pagesuser/SIPA.aspx?id=8438)