The D. Diogo de Sousa Museum is a public institution and is administered jointly by the Institute of Museums and Conservation and the Ministry of Culture.
It was created in 1918 as the D. Diogo de Sousa Museum of Archaeology and Arts. Its main objective was to prevent the dispersion of local patrimony which was until then in the hands of private individuals or institutions.
In 1980, with the revitalization of the museum its objectives were redefined and it became strictly a scientific and cultural organism within the field of archaeology. Its basic activities became centered on the support of archaeological investigation, museology, cultural divulgation, teaching and the protection and preservation of regional archaeological patrimony.
Since then the museum has promoted the creation of local partnerships to enhance its contribution to the protection and preservation of local and regional patrimony.