Lisbon museums are a treasure trove of art, culture, and history. From ancient Roman artifacts to modern contemporary art, there is something for every taste. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular museums in Lisbon, providing as much information as possible about each one.
1. Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is one of the most important art museums in Portugal. It is home to a vast collection of over 6,000 pieces of art, spanning from ancient Egypt to modern times. The collection is divided into two parts: the Eastern Art collection and the Western Art collection. The Eastern Art collection includes pieces from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Iran, while the Western Art collection includes works by European masters such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Degas.
Special exhibitions:
The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions, showcasing works from different periods and cultures. Past exhibitions have included “The Art of Islamic Spain” and “Degas and the Ballet.”
History and background:
The museum was founded in 1969, with the aim of displaying the private collection of Armenian-British businessman Calouste Gulbenkian.
Availability of guided tours:
Guided tours of the museum are available in Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, and German. Visitors can also opt for a self-guided audio tour.
2. Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga
The National Museum of Ancient Art is a must-visit for lovers of art and history. The museum houses an impressive collection of over 40,000 pieces of art and artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and ceramics. The collection spans from the 12th to the 19th century, with a focus on Portuguese and Spanish art.
Special exhibitions:
Special exhibitions are held regularly at the museum, showcasing works from the permanent collection and loans from other institutions. Past exhibitions have included “Portugal in the World: Discoveries and Seafaring” and “The Art of Tiles in Portugal.”
History and background:
The museum was founded in 1884, with the aim of preserving and showcasing Portugal’s rich artistic heritage.
Availability of guided tours:
Guided tours of the museum are available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Visitors can also opt for a self-guided audio tour.
3. Museu Coleção Berardo
The Berardo Collection Museum is a modern art museum featuring a wide range of art from the 20th and 21st century. The collection includes works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney. The museum is also known for its temporary exhibitions, which have included works by contemporary artists such as Yoko Ono and Jeff Koons.
Special exhibitions:
The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing works by both established and emerging artists.
History and background:
The museum was founded in 2007 and is named after Portuguese businessman José Berardo, who donated his extensive art collection to the museum.
Availability of guided tours:
Guided tours of the museum are available in Portuguese, English, French, Spanish and German.
4. Museu de Arte, Arqueologia e Etnologia
The Museum of Art, Archaeology and Ethnology is a great place to discover the cultural heritage of Portugal and its former colonies. The museum features an impressive collection of art, artifacts and ethnographic material from Portugal and its former colonies, including Africa, Asia and America.
Special exhibitions:
The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions, showcasing works from the permanent collection and loans from other institutions. Past exhibitions have included “The Art of the Azores” and “The Art of Portuguese India.”
History and background:
The museum was founded in 1888, and its collection is the result of a merger of several museums and collections, such as the Royal Museum of Ethnology and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts.
Availability of guided tours:
Guided tours of the museum are available in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Visitors can also opt for a self-guided audio tour.
In conclusion, Lisbon museums offer an exciting and diverse range of art and cultural experiences. From ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, these museums offer something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a fun and educational activity, visiting one of Lisbon’s museums is a must-do.
