Explore 6 of the Best Museums in Lisbon 2024 With eSimly

Best Museums in Lisbon

To help with initial planning, below are some of the best museums in Lisbon recommended for any itinerary:

MAAT – Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia

MAAT – Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia
Source: Google Maps

The building was completed in 2016 in the Belem neighborhood, and its distinctive design, crafted by British architect Amanda Levete, catches the eye with interesting shapes. Additionally, the sunset views provide stunning backgrounds for photographs. Transitioning from the museum’s exterior to its interior contents, visitors can discover a variety of changing displays. Not only is the structure impressive to behold, the MAAT has compelling exhibits inside as well. To learn more about current or upcoming shows, one can check the MAAT calendar online or by phone. Both the building itself and the intriguing programs make the MAAT one of Lisbon’s top cultural attractions.

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga
Source: Google Maps

The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is another must-see museum for appreciating historic art in Lisbon. two prized works set the tone for what visitors will discover inside – The Temptations of St. Anthony and Panels of St. Vincent. The collection encompasses far more than just paintings, with sections dedicated to sculptures, ceramics, textiles, glassware, drawings, jewelry, and antique furniture. Furthermore, the variety of mediums and eras represented make the museum a rich well of artistic works. Given its notable holdings, many Lisbon locals are considering exploring the MNAA’s exhibits as an essential cultural experience. Its status as an obligatory local landmark is reflected by its location in Janelas Verdes, a popular neighborhood for encountering museums.

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Source: Google Maps

Another one of the best museums in Lisbon for experiencing art from cultures around the world across time is the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. Transitioning from its ancient collections, visitors are first impressed by Egyptian artifacts, Greco-Roman jewelry, and a magnificent carved Assyrian relief dating back to 900 BC. The two rooms stand out as highlights containing splendid Islamic and Asian pieces. Additionally, the museum showcases carpets, robes, porcelain, and other decorative objects primarily from 16th-17th century Persia, Turkey, Syria, and India. Equally fascinating are Chinese and Japanese exports including paintings, lacquered boxes, and jade.

Museu do Tesouro Real

Museu do Tesouro Real
Source: Google Maps

Housed within the west wing of Ajuda Palace, the Museu do Tesouro Real (Royal Treasure Museum) showcases sacred artifacts from Portugal’s royal heritage. While entry involves a meticulous security process, patience is rewarded with the sight of intricate goldsmith works and jewelry that once belonged to the Royal House. Transitioning to the collection’s history, a large portion was unfortunately lost in the devastating 1755 earthquake, yet over 900 pieces now comprise what remains. The permanent exhibition is divided into 11 sections, each introducing different royal treasures. These include gold and gems from Brazil, royal coins and medals, Ajuda Palace jewellery, and sacred chapel objects. Additionally, the displays encompass honorary orders, insignia, silverware, and gifts from diplomacy.

Museu do Oriente

Museu do Oriente
Source: Google Maps

Another one of the best museums in Lisbon, the core exhibition showcases rare maps, along with beautifully intricate 17th-18th century Chinese and Japanese painted art. Additionally, precious artifacts from Timor expand the understanding of Portugal’s cultural exchanges with Asia over time. Beyond viewing the collections, the museum enrichingly offers courses delving into various Asian arts and practices. These include language lessons as well as cooking and flower arrangement workshops. Continuing the immersive experience, performances of Asian, fusion and world music and dance styles are regularly programmed.

Museu de Lisboa

Explore the best museums in Lisbon: Palais Pimenta

Palais Pimenta
Source: Google Maps

Housed within the historic 18th century Palácio Pimenta, the Museu de Lisboa illuminates the city’s intriguing development over time. Some displays are limited in size, yet still comprehensively outline Lisbon’s story from the Stone Age origins up through Roman rule and later Visigoth and Moorish eras to modern times. The two highlights captivate visitors – a scale model recreating Lisbon prior to the devastating 1755 earthquake, and the impressive original kitchens. Additionally, strolling through the formal garden transports one into Lisbon’s past, with peacocks roaming amidst the greenery. The garden also contains the Pavilhão Branco exhibition space for contemporary artworks.

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