With its colorful architecture and traditional azulejo tiles, it comes as no surprise that Lisbon is a haven for art lovers. From collections spanning modern technology to street art and ancient artifacts, here are a few of our top picks for art lovers in the Portuguese capital.
As well as boasting maritime-themed architecture and an observation deck that overlooks the Tagus River, MAAT covers everything from Portuguese culture to technology. Highlights include the undulating design of the museum’s exterior and temporary exhibits from global contemporary artists.
If your artistic tastes lean toward the classic rather than the contemporary, the National Museum of Ancient Art should be at the top of your Lisbon itinerary. The museum houses more than 40,000 items—paintings, sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts—in the yellow-walled Alvor Palace (Palácio Alvor), which is an attraction in itself.
Nestled among the shops and restaurants of Lisbon’s Chiado district, the National Museum of Contemporary Art houses one of the largest collections of modern art in Portugal. As well as boasting cutting-edge contemporary pieces, the museum is housed in the historic São Francisco da Cidade monastery.
Though harder to find in Lisbon than other cities, street art plays a significant part in the creative culture of Portugal’s capital. Areas such as the Tobacco Garden (Jardim do Tabaco) in Alfama and Rua da Madalena in Graça are home to some of the city’s best murals—take a street-art tour to discover Lisbon’s urban offerings.