Do you want to explore Portuguese and international art in Portugal’s capital city? In Lisbon, you can visit some incredible museums that showcase everything from contemporary to historical art. Let’s explore some of the best museums in Lisbon that every art and history lover should have visited.
1. MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
Right by the Tagus River in the historic area of Belém, you’ll find the MAAT. The Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia is a modern museum that looks like a giant white wave and was designed by the famous architect Amanada Levete. Moreover, the building is covered in thousands of white tiles that shimmer in the sunlight and reflect the river next to it. Absolutely beautiful!
Inside the MAAT, you can explore a wide range of contemporary artworks, from digital media installations to large-scale sculptures and interdisciplinary events focusing on technology. Besides that, the MAAT museum also includes parts of the old Tejo power station, which has been modernised.
The museum’s large and diverse spaces are perfect for exploring new and exciting artworks. That’s why, it’s not surprising that since its opening in 2016, the museum has quickly become a key spot for exploring contemporary art. Tickets for the MAAT museum in Lisbon can be bought under the following link*.
2. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Set in a peaceful park, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum holds one of the best private art collections in the world. This museum is known worldwide for its outstanding collection of art that displays the private collection of Calouste Gulbenkian, who was a wealthy art lover. Here, you can find everything from ancient Egypt to modern Europe. This also includes works from famous artists like Rembrandt, Ruben and Degas. One of the highlights is also the beautiful collection of jewelry by René Lalique.
The museum is divided into two main sections: the Founder’s Collection and the Modern Collection. The Founder’s Collection displays works that Gulbenkian personally collected, which includes pieces from Islamic art, Oriental art and European decorative arts. The Modern Collection focuses on Portuguese art from the 20th century, where the pieces provide insights into the country’s artistic movements. If you want to visit the Gulbenkian museum, we recommend you to buy tickets under the following link*. Finally, it’s a really great place to see how art in Portugal has changed over time!
3. National Museum of Ancient Art (MNAA)
The National Museum of Ancient Art is located in a beautiful 17th-century palace in the Lapa neighbourhood, which overlooks the Tagus River. This museum is one of Europe’s most significant art museums and showcases Portuguese art history from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Nevertheless, the museum also displays artworks from Europe, Africa and Asia.
As one of the most important art museums in Europe, you can find more than 40,000 artworks in MNAA. A must-see here are definitely the Panels of St. Vincent, which were painted by Nuno Gonçalves, and the historical artifacts from Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.
The museum’s layout across three floors takes you through different art forms and historical periods, offering galleries dedicated to painting, sculpture, metalwork and decorative arts. Furthermore, MNAA features temporary exhibitions that delve into specific artistic themes or periods. It’s a great place where you can see how Portugal and other countries have influenced each other, and history and art from come together. Ready to visit the MNAA in Lisbon? Then buy your tickets under the following link*.
What to do in Lisbon? Visit a museum
For those who want to explore Portuguese and international art, these three museums in Lisbon are a perfect opportunity to dive into the worlds of contemporary and historical art. Apart from that, each of these museums will let you want to discover more about the city’s cultural and artistic side. Even if visiting a museum in Lisbon might not be your first choice on warm and sunny days, it’s a great way to experience and connect with art.
In case you are also interested in modern art exhibitions, check out our blog article about the best art galleries in Lisbon.
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