Exploring Lisbon’s Top Museums: What to See & Do

Introduction

Lisbon is a city rich in culture, with a wealth of museums to explore. From the National Museum of Ancient Art to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, and plenty more in between, there’s plenty to see and do. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking to explore, Lisbon’s museums will provide you with a unique and interesting experience. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the top museums in Lisbon and what to expect from them.

The National Museum of Ancient Art

The National Museum of Ancient Art is one of Lisbon’s most renowned museums. Founded in 1884, the museum is home to an impressive collection of European art from the 12th to the 19th century. Highlights include works from the Dutch Golden Age, Spanish Baroque, and Italian Renaissance, as well as a selection of Portuguese paintings of the 16th to 18th centuries. There are also sculptures, jewelry, furniture, ceramics, and more. The museum also hosts regular temporary exhibitions, so be sure to check out what’s on offer during your visit.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is one of Lisbon’s most prestigious museums. It houses the private collection of Armenian-born businessman and art collector Calouste Gulbenkian, which includes a range of works from antiquity to the 20th century. Highlights include ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman sculptures and artifacts, as well as rare examples of Asian and Islamic art. There’s also a selection of European paintings from the 15th to the 19th century, including works by Hieronymus Bosch and Francisco de Goya.

The National Museum of Contemporary Art

The National Museum of Contemporary Art, or MNAC, is a must-see for art lovers. Located in the historic Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, the museum houses a unique collection of Portuguese and international contemporary art, from the 1950s to the present day. Highlights include works by iconic Portuguese artists such as Paula Rego, Almada Negreiros, and João Penalva, as well as international artists such as Damien Hirst and Mark Rothko. The museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions and events throughout the year.

The Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

The Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, housed in the stunning Estufa Fria building in Parque das Nações. The museum features works from the 1950s to the present day, with highlights including pieces by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, and Louise Bourgeois. It also houses a selection of Portuguese and international photography, video, and installation art. The museum often hosts special exhibitions and events, so be sure to check out what’s on offer during your visit.

The National Museum of Natural History and Science

The National Museum of Natural History and Science is the perfect place to explore the natural world. The museum houses a variety of interactive exhibits, from fossils and minerals to plants and animals. There’s also a selection of interactive displays and activities, including a virtual reality experience of life in prehistoric times. The museum also hosts regular events and workshops, making it a great place to learn about the natural world.

The Lisboa Story Centre

The Lisboa Story Centre is a great place to learn about the city’s history. Located in the Praça do Comércio, the centre houses a variety of interactive exhibits, covering topics such as the city’s Roman origins, the Age of Discoveries, and its more recent history. There’s also a selection of interactive displays and activities, such as a virtual tour of the city’s monuments and a 3D cinema. The centre also hosts regular events and workshops, making it a great place to learn about Lisbon’s past.

The Gulbenkian Planetarium

The Gulbenkian Planetarium is the perfect place to explore the wonders of outer space. The planetarium houses a variety of interactive exhibits, from planets and stars to galaxies and black holes. There’s also a selection of interactive displays and activities, such as a virtual tour of the night sky and a 3D cinema. The planetarium also hosts regular events and workshops, making it a great place to learn about the universe.

The Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum is the perfect place to explore Lisbon’s maritime history. The museum houses a variety of interactive exhibits, from ancient ships to modern vessels. There’s also a selection of interactive displays and activities, such as a virtual tour of the city’s ports and a 3D cinema. The museum also hosts regular events and workshops, making it a great place to learn about Lisbon’s maritime history.

The National Museum of Ethnology

The National Museum of Ethnology is the perfect place to explore the cultures of the world. The museum houses a variety of interactive exhibits, from traditional art and clothing to religious artefacts and instruments. There’s also a selection of interactive displays and activities, such as a virtual tour of traditional ceremonies and a 3D cinema. The museum also hosts regular events and workshops, making it a great place to learn about the diverse cultures of the world.

The National Museum of Costume and Textiles

The National Museum of Costume and Textiles is the perfect place to explore the history of fashion. The museum houses a variety of interactive exhibits, from traditional clothing to modern couture. There’s also a selection of interactive displays and activities, such as a virtual tour of the world’s fashion capitals and a 3D cinema. The museum also hosts regular events and workshops, making it a great place to learn about the history of fashion.

Conclusion

Lisbon is a city with a wealth of museums to explore. From the National Museum of Ancient Art to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, and plenty more in between, there’s plenty to see and do. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking to explore, Lisbon’s museums will provide you with a unique and interesting experience. From the National Museum of Natural History and Science to the Lisboa Story Centre, and plenty more in between, there’s something for everyone. So why not take a trip to Lisbon and explore the city’s top museums?