Exploring 13 Lisbon Museums: From Ancient Artifacts To Modern Masterpieces
Visiting Lisbon museums is hands down one of the better ways to explore Lisbon’s rich culture and Portuguese art than to visit one of the city’s famous museums. With museums old and new, Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, has plenty to offer international travelers who want to learn about Portugal’s most significant contributions to art and science.
There are over 60 museums in Lisbon. Each museum has a different central focus. With so many options, deciding what museum you would like to visit can be difficult. In this article, we’ll explain a little bit more about 15 of the best museums of Lisbon and help you decide which you would enjoy seeing.
Introduction to Lisbon Museums
Lisbon is a spectacular city with dozens of museums that travelers can visit. Art museums, historical museums, cultural museums, and science museums are just a few of the options available here. These museums are important in displaying and preserving Portugal’s cultural heritage.
What Makes Lisbon Museums Special?
Lisbon museums are unique because they have a long history and stand today as world-renowned centers of art and culture. Many of the museums in Lisbon were converted from palaces and monasteries. The oldest museum in Lisbon, the National Museum of Ancient Art, was founded in 1884.
Types of Museums in Lisbon
There are many different types of museums in Lisbon. The city has several significant art museums, including the Berardo Collection Museum and the National Museum of Modern Art. Historical museums like the Museum of Lisbon also call this spectacular city home.
Many of the museums in Lisbon offer visitors fascinating educational opportunities. The Electricity Museum and the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology are renowned for their fascinating scientific collection. Museums like the National Tile Museum are beloved by all who want to enjoy the cultural heritage of Portugal.
Top Lisbon Museums to Visit
There are many breathtaking museums you can visit in Lisbon. The National Museum of Ancient Art and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum are highlighted, as are the spectacular Museum of Lisbon and Berardo Collection Museum. Here’s everything you should know about each destination.
1) National Museum of Ancient Art
Address: Rua das Janelas Verdes, 1249-017 Lisboa, Portugal
Information for Visiting: Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga
The National Museum of Ancient Art is a spectacular destination founded by the Portuguese royal family in 1884 after initially serving as the palace for the first Marquis of Pombal. Today, the National Museum of Ancient Art houses as many as 40,000 works of art.
The National Museum of Ancient Art is Portugal’s national gallery and an extremely popular tourist destination. Many people are eager to see the works housed at this museum, including paintings, masonry, metalworks, decorative arts, antique furniture, and more that date back to the 15th century.
Saint Vincent Panels is one of the most famous works housed at the National Museum of Modern Art. The museum includes work like Francisco de Goya’s “The Resistance to War,” historical Portuguese furniture, and colonial-era Portuguese paintings, sculptures, and decorative art.
Many people enjoy visiting the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon. This museum’s expansive collection ranges from early Islamic art to Greek sculptures and even modern multimedia works.
The collection of the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum spans over 5,000 years of history. Some of the most popular exhibits at this Museum include the Mesopotamian Ishtar statue and The Garden of Earthly Delights, but many more exhibits delight visitors.
Like the National Museum of Ancient Art, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is very affordable. It will cost students and seniors over 65 3.50 Euros to visit, while adults can visit for 7 Euros. Families will pay 12 Euros, and groups over ten will pay 4.50 Euros per person. Children under 12 visit free.
2) Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Address: Avenida de Berna 45A, 1067-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Information for Visiting: Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
Many people enjoy visiting the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon. This museum’s expansive collection ranges from early Islamic art to Greek sculptures and even modern multimedia works.
The collection of the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum spans over 5,000 years of history. Some of the most popular exhibits at this Museum include the Mesopotamian Ishtar statue and The Garden of Earthly Delights, but many more exhibits delight visitors.
3) Museum of Lisbon
Address: 5 Various Locations
Information for Visiting: Museu De Lisboa
Many of the most spectacular Portuguese history and culture displays are at the Museum of Lisbon. The museum spans five buildings and includes exhibits ranging from the remnants of city walls to everyday objects used across Portugal throughout the country’s long history.
This museum’s spectacular collection includes artifacts like the Roman stones of Praça do Comércio and an extensive collection of works like pottery and painted tiles.
4) Museu Coleção Berardo
Address: Praça do Império, 1449-003 Lisboa, Portugal
Information for Visiting: Museu Berardo
The Berardo Collection Museum is a contemporary Portuguese are museum that houses one of the finest permanent collections in Lisbon. The collection first opened to the public in 2007 and exhibits over 1,000 art pieces curated from the works of artists like Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Pablo Picasso.
5) Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Tile Museum)
Address: Rua Me. Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisboa, Portugal
Information for Visiting: Museu do Azulejo
Visiting the National Tile Museum is essential for the itinerary of anyone who wants to learn more about the spectacular history of Portugal. This museum displays a comprehensive collection of iconic ceramic tiles and ceramic art, giving visitors incredible insights into how the style of art developed across Portugal’s history.
Some of the highlights of the collection at the Tile Museum include the 15th-century Azulejo tile, the 17th-century Baroque tile, and the stunning Chapel of St Anthony and Choir.
6) Electricity Museum
Address: Avenida Brasília, Belém, Lisboa, Portugal
Information for Visiting: Electricity Museum
The Electricity Museum is a highlight of Lisbon for any science lovers visiting the city. Aside from displaying fascinating artifacts to the public and providing comprehensive educational programs, this museum has a mission to study and discover new insights into the history of electricity.
The collection at this museum has numerous highlights, including its vast array of historical electronic devices and its giant wind turbine. Gaining admission into the museum is simple.
7) Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT)
Address: Avenida Brasília, 1300-598 Lisboa, Portugal
Information for Visiting: MAAT Website
You can’t forget to visit the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology while you’re visiting Portugal. The MAAT has a comprehensive collection that includes multimedia exhibitions and a variety of fun educational programs.
One of the most famous highlights at the MAAT is the rooftop terrace, which provides a spectacular view of Lisbon and the Tagus River.
8) National Coach Museum
Address: Avenida da Índia 136, 1300-300 Lisboa, Portugal
Information for Visiting: Museu dos Coches
The Museu Nacional dos Coches offers a glimpse into the opulent past of the Portuguese aristocracy. The coaches range from the 16th century to the 19th century and shows just how gorgeously designed the coaches are, both inside and out.
9) Gulbenkian Museum of Modern Art
Address: Rua Dr. Nicolau Bettencourt, 1050-078 Lisboa, Portugal
Information for Visiting: Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian
Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian, or CAM is one of the most notable private collections in Portugal. The museum’s mission is to consolidate and represent the history of Portuguese modern art and features artists such as Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso. The impressive collection also includes international artists.
As of the writing of this post, the exhibition space is closed for renovation, so make sure you check before you go!
10) Museu de Marinha
Address: Praça do Império, 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal
Information for Visiting: Museu de Marinha
The Museu de Marinha is worth visiting, particularly if you are interested in Portugal’s rich maritime history. There is a whole variety of permanent exhibitions, including a whole pavilion with various boats that demonstrate Portugals relationship with boating, fishing and exploring.
11) National Museum of Contemporary Art
Address: Rua Serpa Pinto 4, 1200-444 Lisboa, Portugal
Information for Visiting: National Museum of Contemporary Art
The National Museum of Contemporary Art features Portuguese artists. It is a somewhat small size, so of the contemporary art museums in Lisbon, it does not require a whole day. The permanent collection includes pieces from a variety of Portuguese artists, reflecting the timeframe of 1850 to present day.
12) Fado Museum
Address: Alfama, Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 1, 1100-139 Lisboa, Portugal
Information for Visiting: Museu do Fado
The Fado Museum is exactly that, a museum where you can learn about and celebrate Fado. The museum is interactive and the permanent exhibit is all about seeing, hearing and feeling Fado. The museum also houses temporary exhibits that range in topic from famous Fado musicians to musical instruments and Fado guitars.
13) Lisboa story Centre
Address: Praça do Comércio 78, 1100-148 Lisboa, Portugal
Information for Visiting: Lisboa Story Center
Located in the city center, the Lisboa Story Centre is an attraction that educates on the history of Lisbon. The exhibit is about 60 minutes long and offers an interactive journey through time. The 6 exhibits provide an overview of Lisbon from its earliest days through present day, with the 6th being a scale model of the city.
Which Lisbon Museums Do You Want to Explore?
From the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology to the National Museum of Ancient Art, it’s safe to say that Lisbon has one of the best art collections in the entirety of Portugal. If you adore learning about science, art, and Portuguese culture, we recommend building a travel itinerary incorporating many incredible destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Time To Visit Lisbon Museums?
The best time to visit Lisbon museums is usually during the off-season since this will allow you to dodge the crowds and easily navigate between exhibits. However, if you don’t mind dealing with some crowds, consider visiting on a free admission day or when a museum holds temporary exhibitions.
How Much Time Should I Allocate For Visiting Lisbon Museums?
You should allocate at least half a day to visit a Lisbon museum. Most museums in Lisbon have extensive and comprehensive collections. You’ll only be able to maximize your enjoyment of the museum if you have enough time to view all the exhibits. This will allow you to enjoy lunch without feeling rushed.
Are There Any Free Admission Days At Lisbon Museums?
There are free admission days at certain Lisbon museums. Museums tend to offer free admission during holidays, such as Portugal’s National Day. If you’re curious whether a particular holiday provides free admission, we recommend contacting or checking the museum’s website.
Can I Take Pictures Inside Lisbon Museums?
You can take limited amounts of photography in most Lisbon Museums, but you should assume that flash photography is banned in all situations. We recommend verifying the policy of the museum you intend to visit before taking any pictures.
Are Lisbon Museums Accessible For People With Disabilities?
Lisbon Museums are generally accessible to people with disabilities. You should research the particular museum you want to visit to verify that it will be accessible to you. You should also plan your route to the museum in advance. Lisbon has many cobblestone roads, steep streets, and large staircases, among other features.
