containing the largest number of portuguese works outside of portugal, the O Gabinete Real Português de Leitura, or 'The Royal Portuguese Reading Office', was founded in 1837 by portuguese immigrants, mostly exiles and merchants who wanted to create a sanctuary of european culture and reading in the city.

it is housed in a beautiful neomanuelino style building, designed by architect rafael da silva. the limestone façade, created by joseph germano salle, was inspired by the jerionimos monastery in lisbon and the interior also in neomanuelino style comprises a beautiful chandelier in the reading room, and a monument of silver, marble and ivory known as the altar of fatherland in the lounge.