In 1904, José Victor Branco Malhoa petitioned the municipal authority of Lisbon to construct a residence and atelier, based on a project by Manuel Joaquim Norte Júnior (1878–1962).

[2] As part of the late-18th century eclecticism, the design crossed many decorative elements of the Art Nouveau, that were brought into the Portuguese residence from the Parisian school.

[2] The serene modernity of the home was appreciated by José Malhoa, who hoped to win the Prémio Valmor, an award that (despite his fears that the opposition, Ventura Terra and Adães Bermudes) would be attributed to him.

[1][2] Between 1919 and 1932, the house had new two new owners, including merchant Dionísio Vasques, before being acquired by the ophthalmologist Dr. Anastácio Gonçalves, a great collector of artworks.

[1] The contiguous building (also designed by Norte Junior) was annexed in 1996 to museum, undertaken by Frederico and Pedro George, in order to expand the surface area and establish a shop, cafetaria and spaces for temporary expositions.

[1] On the lateral right facade is a 45 azulejo tiles with the following inscription lined with artistic border: CASA MALHOA / PREMIO VALMOR / 1905 / ARCHITECTO NORTE JUNIOR.

[1] Sculptures on the facade are by António Augusto Costa Mota, while all the ironworks were forged by Norte Júnior and executed by the carpenter Vicente Joaquim Esteves, with several masonic elements.

[1] All the furniture and artefacts are consistent with the 17th-18th century style, punctuated by Portuguese natural wall art and collection of Chinese porcelain.