5. Museum of the Year 2026 conservation processes. All 22,000 gemstones – encompassing diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds – were subjected to a gemmological study. Furthermore, a complete catalogue of the collection has been produced and printed, ensuring that every piece is recorded, accounted for, and preserved. Now, it is stored in a permanent exhibition space with three floors that doubles as one of the largest safety deposit boxes in the world: a 775 m² golden safe box protected by two doors that weigh five tonnes each. Visitors are invited to explore the 11 sections spread across three floors of Museu do Tesouro Real, a contemporary and sophisticated display that blends artefacts with informative media. They are accompanied by a full chronology of the treasure, along with images of the royal family through the ages. These images contextualise the royal palace and the ways in which the treasure was utilised by its monarchs, teaching visitors about anything from the acclamation of D. João VI to the historical and social context of the Bragança Dynasty. Interestingly, the Portuguese kings and queens since 1640 were not Coronated but instead acclaimed kings and queens. Therefore, in these cases, a crown was not to be worn but to be kept next to the king or queen on top of a pillow. The reason for this is linked to the country’s deeply rooted respect for Mary, mother of Jesus, who holds the permanent status of queen across all of Portugal. Additionally, this fact is just one of the fascinating pieces of information visitors can learn from this dedicated museum. Museu do Tesouro Real understands that immersion is essential to the complete experience. Its educational services work closely with targeted groups to provide thematic guided tours, theatre-inspired guided tours, workshops, dissertations, colloquiums, history and jewellery courses, and school programmes. Looking ahead, the team is working to establish guided tours for every museum visitor, either through the professional guides of its educational services or through mobile applications for self-guided tours. As an honorary member of Portugal’s brands of excellence, Museu do Tesouro Real seeks to keep its collection alive whilst contributing to the advancement of artistic and cultural development in Portugal. A shining example of this commitment has been the launch of its jewellery competition, organised in 2025, with dozens of jewellers entering pieces inspired by the collection. This year, the winner of the competition has launched an exclusive jewellery collection for Museu do Tesouro Real. Ultimately, Museu do Tesouro Real aspires to establish itself as an international reference in museology, a position that has no doubt been earned by the unrivalled variety and rarity of its collection. The museum has played an instrumental role in honouring the legacy of Portugal’s monarchy, meticulously preserving every piece of the Royal Treasury so that it can continue to inform, inspire, and invite visitors from around the world for many years to come. For this exceptional work, we at EU Business News are delighted to recognise Museu do Tesouro Real as the Museum of the Year 2026. Contact: Nuno Vale, Executive Director Email: [email protected] Company: Museu do Tesouro Real Web Address: www.tesouroreal.pt
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