Do you want to be full of culture? Or are you just looking for an activity to do on a rainy day? In this article, discover the best museums in Lisbon!
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It may be from there that his particular stamp comes... While walking through its streets and admiring its monuments, it is difficult not to feel the great complexity of the Portuguese capital. But how do you know more about him? In this article, discover the 15 best museums in Lisbon.
Let them honour history, art and science... They all have something to say about the capital.
1. The Berardo Museum
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Average duration of the visit: 2 hours
Billet cuts. Yes
Visit the cultural centre of Belém to discover the Museu Coleção Berardo. It houses part of the private collection of José Berardo, an eminent art collector of the twentieth century. You will find almost 1,000 works, which retrace the history of modern art and pop art.
Between Picasso, Dali, Duchamp, Warhol, Magritte, Pollock, Koons and many more... There's a lot of things to see. An unmistakable, for both curious and passionate.
2. The National Museum of Carrots
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Average duration of the visit: between 1 and 2 hours
Billet cuts. No.
Among the best museums in Lisbon are the National Museum of Carrots. Inaugurated in 1905, it houses an impressive collection of ancient vehicles dating from the 16th to the 20th centuries. We find everything, from the traditional calèche to the luxurious chair with porter.
Some particularly eccentric pieces have something to surprise visitors! A unique and original opportunity to go back to time and plunge into our history...
3. MUDE (Museum of Design and Fashion)
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Average duration of the visit: 1 hour
Billet cuts. No.
Do you like beautiful things and are you interested in the history of design? So don't miss the MUDE (design and fashion museum), one of the best museums in Lisbon. Located near the Place du Commerce, it houses pieces that have rhymed the evolution of trends.
They are enhanced by the very raw industrial style of the local, which offers a striking contrast to the purity of the lines of the collection. Admission is free.
4. Chiado National Museum
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Average duration of the visit: between 1 and 2 hours
Billet cuts. No.
Like other museums in Lisbon, we visit the Chiado Museum in part for its architecture. Indeed, this former convent of the 13th century was transformed into a contemporary art museum by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. You will find a vast collection of works of art from the 19th century to the present day.
There is everything inside, but it should be noted that the museum offers a great opportunity to discover less well-known Portuguese artists. In addition, exhibitions change regularly.
5. The National Antiga Art Museum
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Average duration of the visit: 3 hours
Billet cuts. No.
It is at the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga that you will find the most important public collection of all Portugal . Located in the palace of the Counts of Alvor, it contains numerous pieces classified as “national treasures”.
The opportunity to admire a triptych of Bosch, Japanese paravents Nanban, the panels of Saint Vincent... In short, masterpieces from all backgrounds that allow us to trace the history of the country.
6. The Benfica Museum
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Average duration of the visit: between 45 minutes and 1 hour
Billet cuts. No.
The visit of the Luz Stadium and the Benfica Museum are a must-see for all lovers of football who pass to Lisbon. This is where the Champions League final was held in 2014!
The museum retraces the history of the legendary club S.L. Benfica. The window of cuts is very impressive, with a special mention to the cuts of Europe from 61 and 62. A beautiful tribute and a moving visit to the Benfiquists.
7. The museum do Aljube
Photo credit: Facebook – Museu do Aljube Resistência e Liberdade
Average duration of the visit: between 1 and 2 hours
Billet cuts. No.
Built in a former political prison, the museu do Aljube documents the history of the dictatorship in Portugal between 1926 and 1974. It also retraces the various struggles that have been carried out in the country against fascism. A rather recent part of Portuguese history, which must not be forgotten.
Note: explanations are in Portuguese and English only.
8. The Calouste-Gulbenkian Museum
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Average duration of the visit: approximately 3 hours
Billet cuts. Yes
During his life, Calouste Gulbenkian (1869-1955) gathered an impressive collection of works of art. It includes Mesopotamian, Egyptian and Greco-Roman antiquities, art pieces from Europe and the East, sacred medieval art...
And history continues until Art Nouveau. This museum in Lisbon offers an incredible journey through different human civilizations... An immanquable!
9. The Pavilion of Knowledge
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Average duration of the visit: between 2 and 4 hours
Billet cuts. No.
Looking for which museum in Lisbon to visit with your children? So go to the knowledge pavilion! You will find interactive exhibitions and activities on science and technology.
From the human eye to the formation of sand dunes, to the discovery of 3D printing... This is an exciting and accessible visit to all.
10. The National Museum of Azulejo
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Average duration of the visit: 2 hours
Billet cuts. No.
During your stay in Portugal, you will surely have noticed how the Azulejos were related to the history of the country. Moorish tiles with contemporary azulejos, this museum allows you to admire magnificent achievements. The masterpiece is a huge sign that represents Lisbon before the earthquake of 1755.
And the beauty of the place doesn't ruin anything... Indeed, the Musée national de l’azulejo was built in a splendid convent of the 16th century, the convent Madre de Deus.
11. Medeiros e Almeida
Photo credit: Facebook – Casa Museu Medeiros e Almeida
Average duration of the visit: 1 hour
Billet cuts. No.
Antonio Medeiros e Almeida was a renowned Portuguese businessman. With his fortune, he made a vast collection of works of art. Today we can admire it in its former residence, built in a museum in Lisbon.
On 25 rooms, visitors can discover different collections. The most important are the collection of clocks, porcelains China and Portuguese silverware. A place out of time!
12. The Carmo Archaeological Museum
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Average duration of the visit: between 1 and 2 hours
Billet cuts. No.
The MAC (Carmo Archaeological Museum) is sheltered by the ruins of a convent. A very intriguing decor that would be worth the detour alone... But we should not neglect the great historical value of the pieces in it!
The collection has been powered since the 19th century and has some pepits. A journey from prehistory to today.
13. The MAAT
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Andres Garcia Martin
Average duration of the visit: 2 hours
Billet cuts. No.
The MAAT (art music, architecture and technology) exhibits works by contemporary artists, architects and thinkers. Accessible to all, the main exhibition traces the History of Electricity.
It is an old coal plant redesigned into a museum thanks to an architectural extension to the futuristic style. A very nice place to walk! The view of the Tage is splendid.
14. The Oriental Museum
Photo credit: Facebook – Museu do Oriente
Average duration of the visit: between 1 and 2 hours
Billet cuts. No.
Opened in 2008, the Musée Oriente made the link between Portugal and Asia. The permanent exhibition presents several Asian art pieces and deals with the influence of Portuguese colonies in the world. But temporary exhibitions are also to be discovered, always relevant and interesting.
15. The Lisboa Story Center
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Craig Hastings
Average duration of the visit: about 1 hour
Billet cuts. Yes
If there is a museum in Lisbon to do before visiting the Portuguese capital, it is the Lisboa Story Center. It offers a true journey in time, from the first civilizations to today.
Immersive and interactive, the visit is thought to please children and adults. What makes you want to explore the streets and monuments of Lisbon!
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