MAAT Lisbon

Discover the best museums in Portugal

Portugal has an impressive variety of museums, from classical art and historic collections to contemporary architecture, design and more unusual spaces. As locals living in Portugal who regularly visit museums across the country, we share first-hand guides to help you decide which museums are worth your time, whether you’re planning a city break or a longer trip.

MUSEUMS IN LISBON

The best museums to visit in Lisbon

The MAAT Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia in Lisbon, featuring large white "maat" letters displayed on a sandy plaza surrounded by young trees. The historic red-brick Central Tejo building and a modern cylindrical structure are visible in the background under a vibrant blue sky.
ART & ARCHITECTURE

MAAT Museum

MAAT combines modern art, architecture, and riverside views in one of Lisbon’s most striking museum buildings. It’s a great stop for design lovers and anyone curious about contemporary culture.

Explore MAAT Museum Lisbon
Interior gallery of the Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon showcasing an ornate Persian carpet in vivid purples and golds, surrounded by display cases featuring traditional garments. The modernist architecture and natural lighting enhance the elegance of the museum’s Islamic art collection.
CLASSIC ART & GARDENS

Gulbenkian Museum

The Gulbenkian Museum is home to one of the finest art collections in Portugal, ranging from ancient artefacts to modern masterpieces. Its peaceful gardens make it a perfect cultural escape in the city.

Visit the Gulbenkian Museum
Quake Museum Lisbon
HISTORY & EARTHQUAKES

Lisbon Quake Museum

The Quake Museum tells the story of Lisbon’s devastating 1755 earthquake through immersive and interactive exhibits. It’s an engaging way to understand how this event shaped the city you see today.

Learn about Lisbon’s earthquake
A vibrant display of wicker baskets in various shapes and sizes at the Popular Art Museum Lisbon, set against a backdrop of portraits of artisans, highlighting the cultural significance of handcrafted goods at the Museu de Arte Popular.
TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Popular Art Museum Lisbon

This museum focuses on Portuguese folk art, traditions, and daily life from different regions of the country. It’s a colourful and accessible introduction to Portugal’s cultural identity.

Discover Portuguese folk art
Mock-up of a traditional Fado restaurant at the Lisbon Fado Museum, featuring red chairs, checkered tablecloths, a Portuguese guitar on display, and walls adorned with framed photos and memorabilia celebrating Fado culture.
MUSIC & LISBON IDENTITY

Fado Museum in Alfama in Lisbon

The Fado Museum dives into Portugal’s most famous music genre and the artists behind it. Learn how Fado became such an important part of Lisbon’s cultural soul.

Discover the Fado Museum
An ornate gallery of the Royal Riding School in the National Coach Museum, featuring intricately painted ceilings and a row of red marble columns overlooking historic carriages. The elegant architecture and rich decor highlight the grandeur of this unique collection.
ROYAL TRANSPORT & HERITAGE

National Coach Museum

The National Coach Museum showcases an impressive collection of royal carriages from Portugal and beyond. It offers a fascinating glimpse into court life, craftsmanship, and ceremonial travel.

See the National Coach Museum
A view of the Madre de Deus Convent’s ornate cloister, showcasing elegant Gothic arches and walls adorned with intricate blue and white azulejo tiles, located inside the National Tile Museum in Lisbon.
TILES & convent

National Tile Museum

The National Tile Museum explores the history of azulejos, one of Portugal’s iconic art forms. Housed in a former convent, you enjoy art, architecture, and storytelling.

the National Tile Museum
Exterior view of the Lisbon Carmo Convent, showcasing its striking Gothic architecture with pointed arch windows and weathered stone walls. The remains of the 14th-century convent, partially destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, stand against a clear blue sky. A foreground ledge with graffiti contrasts with the historical beauty of the medieval structure.
ARCHAEOLOGY & RUINS

Carmo Convent and Archaeological Museum

Carmo Convent is one of Lisbon’s most atmospheric landmarks, with open-air Gothic ruins and an archaeological collection inside. It’s a powerful place to explore Lisbon’s layered history.

Visit the Carmo Convent
ART, DESIGN & CULTURE IN PORTUGAL

Museums in Portugal beyond Lisbon

The Serralves Foundation is one of the best Porto what to do activities. Pictured is the pink villa Casa de Serralves with fountains in the front.
CONTEMPORARY ART IN PORTO

Serralves Museum and Park

Serralves is Porto’s most important contemporary art museum, set inside a vast park with gardens, sculptures, and striking architecture. It’s a must-visit for art lovers and anyone wanting a calm, cultural escape in the city.

Visit Serralves Museum and Park

Museums in Portugal: frequently asked questions

What are the most famous museums in Portugal?

Some of the best-known museums are the MAAT, Gulbenkian Museum, National Tile Museum, and Coach Museum in Lisbon, and the Serralves Museum in Porto. These museums cover art, architecture, history, and Portuguese culture.

Are museums in Portugal worth visiting if you’re not a big museum fan?

Yes. Many museums in Portugal are housed in beautiful buildings or gardens and offer a relaxed experience. Places like Serralves, MAAT, and Carmo Archaeological Museum combine culture with architecture, views, or outdoor spaces.

Do museums in Portugal have free entry days?

Many public museums offer free entry on Sundays and public holidays, usually until early afternoon. Rules can vary, so it’s best to check the official website before visiting. Some offer free entry only to Portuguese residents.