Chapelaria Museum wins Portuguese Museum of the Year

The Chapel Museum in São João da Madeira was awarded the Museum of the Year 2026 by the Portuguese Association of Museology (APOM) during a ceremony in Sesimbra. The museum, dedicated to the history of hat-making, has been recognized for its excellence in preserving local heritage. Founded in 2005, it showcases the industrial history of hat production, which significantly influenced the region's economy. The museum underwent renovations in early 2025 to enhance accessibility and visitor experience, introducing new interpretative resources. Tânia Reis, the museum's director, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the museum's commitment to preserving and promoting the hat-making industry.