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.
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.