The Albuquerque Foundation aims at promoting the debate and reflection on the artistic, cultural and historical meaning of ceramic production. Its exhibition programme includes a permanent presentation of the pieces in the Albuquerque Chinese Ceramic Collection along with solo shows by contemporary artists working in the expanded field of ceramics. Artists, scholars and curators will be regularly invited for short and long-term residencies, in which research work on the Collection may constitute the point of departure for new artistic productions, academic works and innovative exhibitions. 

The former Quinta de São João was refurbished and expanded to host the extensive activities of the Albuquerque Foundation. It features a specialized library, the Albuquerque Collection, maintained under strict museum guidelines, a concept store showcasing and selling works by Portuguese ceramists, and a café with a terrace and views of the vast gardens and Sintra landscapes included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.