The Portuguese capital is famous for its museums, among which there are some interesting ones. I’ll introduce a few museums in Lisbon that are worth visiting.
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Best museums in Lisbon
National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga)
Also known as the „Green Window Museum”, it’s one of Lisbon’s most significant museums with numerous artworks.
Its main focus is painting (e.g., Dürer, Bosch), but sculptures, metalwork, and antique furniture are also on display. Its sculpture collection is impressive, especially in Portuguese and Flemish works. Additionally, African and Asian art sculptures receive special attention.
The most famous piece is the Saint Vincent Panels by an unknown artist, which experts consider to be of the highest quality.
The metalwork collection is also significant. The cross from Alcobaça Monastery, made from gold brought back by Vasco da Gama from his Indian voyage, is kept here.
The building itself is magnificent. The Alvor Palace bears the marks of Baroque and Rococo styles. The building also has a beautiful garden with a great view of the Tagus River.
All information can be found here!
How to get there: Take bus 713, 714, or 727 to the Rua das Janelas Verdes stop.
National Archaeological Museum (Museu Nacional de Arqueologia)
This is one of the country’s largest archaeological museums. It’s located in part of the Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) building.
One of the most important parts of the museum’s collection is the Roman-era artifacts, including mosaics, sculptures, jewelry, and everyday objects. The mosaics from the ancient city of Conimbriga are particularly outstanding.
The museum has a significant prehistoric collection with stone tools, ceramics, and other artifacts. There are also beautiful Egyptian, Celtic, and Islamic collections.
All information can be found here!
How to get there: Take tram 15 or bus 728, 729 to the Mosteiro Jerónimos stop.
National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)
Hearing the museum’s name, one might dismiss the idea of going to look at tiles. But I encourage everyone to visit!
The museum was founded in 1965 to preserve and showcase Portuguese azulejo art. This is a type of painted, glazed ceramic tile that is one of Portugal’s most well-known and beloved art forms, and has been part of the country’s cultural heritage for centuries.
The location itself is unique, as the museum is housed in the Manueline-style Madre de Deus monastery and church. Its interior garden is also very beautiful.
Its specialties include large panoramic images depicting significant historical events, mythological scenes, or everyday life. Particularly noteworthy is the 23-meter-long 18th-century panorama of Lisbon.
All information can be found here!
How to get there: Take bus 718, 742, or 794 to the Igreja Madre Deus stop.
Maritime Museum (Museu Marinha)
Since Portugal has been a major naval power for centuries, it’s no wonder there’s a museum dedicated to the subject.
It was established in 1863 at the initiative of King Louis II of Portugal, who placed great emphasis on preserving and presenting Portuguese naval traditions. Along with many excellent exhibited items and ships, you can learn about the history of Portuguese navigation.
It has a rich collection of various nautical maps, navigation tools, including astrolabes, sextants, and other instruments that were essential during the age of maritime discoveries.
One of the museum’s highlights is the collection of ship models and miniatures, which showcases ships from different eras in detailed elaboration.
All information can be found here!
How to get there: Take tram 15 or bus 728, 729 to the Mosteiro Jerónimos stop.
National Coach Museum (Museu Coches)
This tourist-favorite museum is located in the Belém district and houses one of the world’s richest collections of coaches and carriages. Another interesting fact is that it’s located in the former riding school of the Portuguese royal family.
More than 70 coaches are on display, with the oldest dating back to the 16th century, while the „newest” one was used by Queen Elizabeth II of England in 1958.
The collection includes various ceremonial coaches that were used for special occasions such as coronations and ambassador receptions. You can see coaches not only from Portugal but from other European countries as well.
All information can be found here!
How to get there: Take tram 15 or bus 714, 727, 728, 751 to the Belém stop.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Although I’ve listed it last, it’s still one of the city’s most popular museums!
This is a private collection of about 6,000 pieces, founded by Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, a businessman of Armenian birth. He was one of the richest men of the 20th century and passionately collected artworks throughout his life.
This eclectic exhibition showcases artifacts from various eras (from ancient times to the early 20th century) and regions. One of its specialties is Armenian and rare bookbinding works.
It has two buildings, one housing older paintings and the other modern collections.
All information can be found here!
How to get there: Take the red or blue metro line to the São Sebastião metro station.
Berardo Museum (Museu Coleção Berardo)
The museum is located in the Belém district, in the Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB) cultural center, and houses one of the world’s most important collections of modern and contemporary art.
It opened in 2007 and is based on the art collection of Portuguese businessman and art collector Joe Berardo. Berardo passionately collected artworks since the 1960s and donated his collection to the Portuguese state.
The collection includes significant works of Cubism, Surrealism, Dadaism, and Constructivism. Notable representatives of these movements include Picasso, Duchamp, Salvador Dalí, and Mondrian.
In addition, you can see works from Expressionism, Pop Art, and Postmodernism.
All information can be found here!
How to get there: Take tram 15E to the Centro Cultural Belém stop.
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