The museum is housed in an 18th century palace and displays a unique and vast collection of ceramics from all over the country, dating back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries (including examples of the 17th century blue faience and regional pottery that is typical of Viana do Castelo).
There is also an exhibition of paintings and drawings, with special attention being drawn to the important collection of Indo-Portuguese and 18th century furniture.