Malhoa was, with Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, the leading name in Portuguese naturalist painting in the second half of the 19th century.

At the end of his life, he saw the inauguration of the José Malhoa Museum, in Caldas da Rainha.

Malhoa's House, also known as the Dr. Anastácio-Gonçalves House-Museum, in Lisbon, was originally built in 1905 as a residence and studio for the artist.

In 1933, the year of his death, the José Malhoa Museum was created in Caldas da Rainha.

His well known studio, named "Casulo", in Figueiró dos Vinhos, is restored and available for visits.