A photo of teh MAAT museum in Lisbon, with lights on at the museum. A photo of teh MAAT museum in Lisbon, with lights on at the museum.

Lisbon’s 10 Best Museums: Not To Be Missed

Discover the best museums in Lisbon, catering to a myriad of interests, from art to maritime history, in this comprehensive guide.

Lisbon is home to an impressive array of museums that cater to diverse interests, ranging from art and history to science and maritime exploration. Here are some of the must-visit museums in Lisbon:

1. Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum)

  • Focus: Portuguese tiles (azulejos) and their history.
  • Highlights: The museum showcases intricate tilework dating back to the 15th century and includes a stunning panoramic tile composition of Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake.
  • Location: Rua da Madre de Deus, 4.
  • Why Visit?: A unique insight into one of Portugal’s most iconic art forms.

2. Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

  • Focus: Ancient and modern art.
  • Highlights: The collection includes Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Asian artifacts, as well as masterpieces by European artists such as Rembrandt and Monet.
  • Location: Avenida de Berna, 45A.
  • Why Visit?: The gardens and the adjoining Modern Art Center make it a serene and enriching experience.

3. Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia (MAAT)

  • Focus: Contemporary art, architecture, and technology.
  • Highlights: Iconic exhibitions like Vivian Suter’s “DISCO” and the building’s striking, wave-like architecture.
  • Location: Avenida Brasília, Belém.
  • Why Visit?: A cutting-edge exploration of modern themes in a stunning riverside setting.

4. Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art)

  • Focus: European and Portuguese art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
  • Highlights: Features masterpieces like “The Temptations of St. Anthony” by Hieronymus Bosch and impressive collections of decorative arts.
  • Location: Rua das Janelas Verdes.
  • Why Visit?: For art lovers, it’s a treasure trove of historical significance.

5. Museu do Fado

  • Focus: The history and culture of Fado music.
  • Highlights: A deep dive into Fado’s origins, famous performers, and interactive exhibits about this UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage.
  • Location: Largo do Chafariz de Dentro, 1.
  • Why Visit?: To understand the heart and soul of Portuguese music and culture.
Vivian Suter exhibition of paintings hanging on a wall at the MAAT Museum in Lisbon.

6. Museu da Marinha (Maritime Museum)

  • Focus: Portugal’s maritime history and Age of Discovery.
  • Highlights: Scale models of ships, maps, navigational tools, and an impressive royal barge.
  • Location: Praça do Império, Belém.
  • Why Visit?: A fascinating exploration of Portugal’s seafaring legacy.

7. Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Pavilion of Knowledge)

  • Focus: Science and technology.
  • Highlights: Interactive exhibits and experiments that appeal to visitors of all ages.
  • Location: Parque das Nações.
  • Why Visit?: A family-friendly spot that makes science fun and engaging.

8. Museu do Aljube – Resistência e Liberdade

  • Focus: The history of political oppression and resistance in Portugal.
  • Highlights: Exhibits detailing the Estado Novo dictatorship and the fight for democracy.
  • Location: Rua de Augusto Rosa, 42.
  • Why Visit?: A poignant look at Portugal’s recent history and the struggle for freedom.

9. Museu Coleção Berardo

  • Focus: Modern and contemporary art.
  • Highlights: Works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Dalí, Warhol, and Bacon.
  • Location: Centro Cultural de Belém.
  • Why Visit?: A must-visit for lovers of 20th-century and contemporary art.

10. Museu da Farmácia (Pharmacy Museum)

  • Focus: The history of pharmacy and medicine.
  • Highlights: An eclectic collection that includes ancient apothecary tools and even a recreated 19th-century pharmacy.
  • Location: Rua Marechal Saldanha, 1.
  • Why Visit?: A quirky and fascinating niche museum.

11. MUDE – Museu do Design e da Moda (Museum of Design and Fashion)

  • Focus: Design and fashion history.
  • Highlights: A rotating collection of iconic 20th and 21st-century fashion pieces and industrial design objects.
  • Location: Rua Augusta, Baixa.
  • Why Visit?: For fashion and design enthusiasts, it’s an inspiring space.

12. Museu Benfica – Cosme Damião

  • Focus: The history of Benfica, one of Portugal’s most famous football clubs.
  • Highlights: Trophies, memorabilia, and an immersive fan experience.
  • Location: Estádio da Luz.
  • Why Visit?: A must for football fans visiting Lisbon.

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