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MAAT Lisbon – Discover the city’s favourite art museum in Belém
Along the banks of the river Tagus near the historic district of Belém, you’ll spot a modern building. It is the MAAT Museum, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, which has a unique location and design.
It is one of the youngest museums in Lisbon, and it has stolen the hearts of many. The architecture is stunning, and so are the exhibition spaces! The modern museum has regular changing exhibitions, and the former power plant is a must-see for architecture lovers. Kids will love it here, too, between the huge engineering machines!
Thousands of art lovers, history buffs, kids, photographers, and architecture lovers visit the building each year. To fully appreciate its shape, climb the roof of the modern museum. It’s a fantastic location to visit, especially during the sunset.
We visit each time when MAAT Lisbon has a new exhibition, so we see the art installations several times a year. But before you buy tickets, you might wonder if visiting the museum is worth it. In this guide, I will tell you everything there is to know about the museum, how to get there and how to get tickets.
What to expect at MAAT Museum of Art
The modern MAAT Lisbon architecture
The MAAT Museum is one of the newest museums in Lisbon, and its modern architecture really stands out. The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, or Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia in Portuguese, was built in 2016 by British architect Amanda Levete, a London-based architecture studio.
The new building opened in 2016, and MAAT Gallery is where you will find the exhibition spaces with contemporary art. You can expect national and international exhibitions of independent and well-known contemporary artists.
There is one large exhibition space, which you will find right after/below the ticket office, and several exhibition spaces in the other rooms of the modern building. The big exhibition space can accommodate one large-scale work, which is usually the highlight of the visit.
MAAT Central Tejo, the former power station
The EDP Foundation campus includes the modern MAAT Museum and the repurposed power station Central Tejo. The power station, built in 1908, is now open to the public. The plant closed in 1975 and, after extensive renovations, opened as a museum in 1990.
The original machinery can still be seen inside, making it a unique construction. It is one of the best examples of industrial architecture in Portugal, and the combination of the two buildings is a prominent example of 20th-century industrial architecture.
The Electricity Museum in Lisbon tells the history of Portuguese electricity and has a jaw-dropping collection of contemporary art. The “Electricity Factory” is a permanent exhibition where visitors can learn more about the old plant and the evolution of electricity. This part of the museum is very interactive and loved by children and adults alike.
The rooftop of the MAAT Museum of Art
The new building quickly became an icon, and you can climb the white-tiled building! From the top, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view over the river and the waterfront of Belém. You will notice that the structure also breathes art, architecture, and technology. The roof is an accessible public space, and you don’t need to pay to climb it.
Lisbon MAAT exhibitions
The MAAT Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology hosts ever-changing exhibitions by national and international artists and thinkers. Before visiting, you can check the current and rotating exhibits online.
It is one of the most visited museums in Lisbon, and thanks to the changing exhibitions by contemporary artists, we visit several times a year. My favourite exhibitions so far were the Vhils exhibition, the Plug-in exhibition by Joana Vasconcelos, and All the World’s a Stage by photographer William Klein.
Fundação EDP is a non-profit social and cultural division of Energias de Portugal (EDP, formerly Electricidade de Portugal). The institution showcases the latest exhibitions at MAAT. Three areas—discovery, critical thinking, and international dialogue—are central to every presentation.
MAAT shop, café and kitchen
After visiting the museum, you can see the lovely shop where you can buy souvenirs from current and past exhibitions. Treat yourself to a MAAT tote bag, a postcard, or another nice souvenir.
MAAT Café & Kitchen is open from 11 AM to 11.30 PM Monday through Sunday. It’s a great place to enjoy a snack, a glass of wine, or a fancy dinner.
The riverside bar and bistro is known for fine fusion dining with a stunning view over the Tagus. It’s a mouthwatering experience, and it’s recommended that you make a reservation beforehand.
How to get to MAAT
From Lisbon’s city centre, it is very easy to get to Belém. From Cais de Sodré, you can take the train to Cascais and exit in Belém. The train journey takes only 7 minutes. Buses 714, 727, 728, 729, and 751 all drive towards the museum, and it’s only a short walk from the bus stop to MAAT.
If you come by tram, you can take tramline 15 towards Belém. Public transport with the Lisboa Card is included and is free. Do you come by car? There is a free public car park about 500 meters from MAAT.
Opening hours MAAT Lisbon
The opening hours to MAAT Lisbon are 10.00 to 19.00 from Wednesday to Monday. You will probably need one hour per museum to visit all exhibitions and enjoy the MAAT to the fullest. MAAT Lisbon is closed every Tuesday and on holidays such as New Year, Christmas Day and Labour Day.
Tickets for MAAT
A combination ticket to visit both MAAT and Central, the former power plant, will give you the best value. These tickets cost € 11,00, and Lisboa Card holders get a 15% discount.
Bonus tip 1: Public transport is free with the Lisboa Card, and you can enter other sights, such as the Jeronimos Monastery and the Belém Tower in Belém.
Bonus tip 2: are you in Belém on the first Sunday of the month? Portuguese residents are free to enter on this day!
Tours in Portuguese and English are available upon request. The museum also offers numerous educational programmes and multidisciplinary activities for all ages.
A visit to MAAT is perfect for a rainy day, but there is much more to do in Belém and Lisbon on a wet day. Check out this comprehensive guide to activities for a rainy day in Lisbon.
Other things to do in Belém
Don’t head back to Lisbon’s city centre yet. Belém has much more in store, and you can easily spend a day here! A favourite place to visit is the Jeronimos Monastery, the bakery Pasteis the Belém, Torre de Belém and the monument Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
Other museums in Belém are the Popular Art Museum, the National Coach Museum, the Quake Museum, and the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia.
If you still can’t get enough, Belém is THE starting point for boat tours. It’s a magical place to set foot on a sailboat and enjoy the sunset over the river Tagus and the city of Lisbon.
FAQ
Is it worth visiting the MAAT in Lisbon?
The MAAT Museum of Art Architecture and Technology is one of the best museums in Lisbon and well worth it if you like architecture, contemporary art, and technology. During your visit, you can see two museums, including the MAAT Gallery, designed by British architect Amanda Levete, and the former power station MAAT Central Tejo.
Is MAAT free on Sunday?
Portuguese citizens have free admission on the first Sunday of each month between 10:00 and 13:00. You might be asked for proof of citizenship.
What to see at MAAT?
The MAAT Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology showcases exhibitions by contemporary artists from Portugal and around the world. During your visit, you can visit two museums, and the buildings are a unique example of industrial architecture in the country.
Conclusion
MAAT Lisbon hosts contemporary exhibitions that will beat many art lovers’ hearts faster. But even if you’re not into art, it’s worth visiting the museum. Climb the rooftop for free to see a fantastic sunset or enjoy a beer along the Tagus River while enjoying the views.
The MAAT Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology has two parts: the changing exhibitions at the modern MAAT Gallery and the permanent exhibition space at the former power station MAAT Central Tejo.
Discover other incredible museums!
- MAAT Lisbon – Discover the city’s favourite art museum in Belém
- Explore Portuguese heritage in the Popular Art Museum in Lisbon
- Visiting the National Tile Museum and Madre de Deus in Lisbon
- Lisbon’s fabulous Fado Museum in the heart of Alfama
- The National Coach Museum and the Old Royal Riding School in Belém
- Enjoy mesmerising historical art at the Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon
- Join the Lisbon Art Gallery Tour To Spark Your Imagination
- Quake Museum Lisbon: A shaky but groundbreaking and fantastic experience!
- Discover the ruins of the Carmo Convent in Lisbon
- Beautiful contemporary art at the Serralves Museum in Porto
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