The 16 Best Museums and Galleries in Lisbon for Art Lovers

The Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea do Chiado (MNAC) covers the development of Portuguese art from the mid-19th century to the present day. Among the museum’s more recent acquisitions are the distinctly Portuguese, yet Pop art-inspired paintings of Sá Nogueira, pieces by Lisbon-based sculptor José Pedro Croft and the experimental video work of Alexandre Estrela. It has also displayed temporary exhibitions by leading Portuguese artists, including Vasco Araújo’s Botânica, a compelling reflection on Portugal’s colonial legacy.

With a collection of over 70 coaches, (the largest and most valuable collection of its kind in the world) including the carriage King Philip II used to travel from Spain to Portugal in 1619, this museum is among Lisbon’s most visited sights. Formerly housed in the palatial Picadeiro Real (which is possible to visit with an additional ticket), the Museu Nacional dos Coches moved to a brand-new building designed by prize-winning architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha in 2015.

Hangar is one of Lisbon’s most well-established art centres and gallery spaces, perched on a hillside in the quiet neighbourhood of Graça. It seeks to establish connections between artists, researchers and the public to stimulate the development of new artistic practices and to encourage the critical discussion of emerging contemporary art. In addition to exhibitions, it also hosts a thought-provoking programme of seminars, workshops, performances and film screenings.

The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) is Lisbon’s answer to the Tate Modern or MoMA, focussing on the intersection of technology and contemporary art. Housed in two distinctive buildings on the banks of the Tagus – one, a former thermoelectric power plant, and the other, a purpose-built structure inspired by the gentle waves of the river – the MAAT’s dynamic programme of temporary exhibitions and events make it one of Lisbon’s most exciting cultural institutions.

Opened in 2013 by Vhils, is the country’s most celebrated street artists, Underdogs Gallery has quickly developed a reputation for showing and commissioning innovative street art from Portugal and around the world. You’ll find work by artists such as ±MaisMenos±, whose politically charged designs can be spotted across Portugal and Add Fuel (whose intricate artworks are inspired by Portuguese tile-making traditions). There’s even a store for limited editions and merchandise.

The Museu Coleção Berardo was established in 2007 to showcase millionaire José Berardo’s collection of modern and contemporary art. In January 2023 it became the Contemporary Art Museum – Centro Cultural de Belém and its impressive permanent exhibition comprises over 900 works, providing a comprehensive tour through 20th-century art movements – expect big names such as Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and many others. Meanwhile, the museum’s excellent temporary exhibitions regularly feature major international artists. The museum offers free admission to its permanent collection every Saturday.

If you’re interested in learning more about Portugal’s characteristic azulejo tiles, seen on buildings all over Lisbon, a visit to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo is a must. The museum’s permanent exhibition, which occupies the rooms of a 500-year-old convent, tells the fascinating story of the Portuguese azulejo from the 16th century through to the present day. Unfortunately, many of Lisbon’s azulejos are now at risk of destruction due to lack of conservation, so the museum’s role in preserving them is all the more important.

Tucked just behind the Sé Cathedral, the Museu do Aljube Resistência e Liberdade is a must-visit if you’re interested in Portugal’s recent political history. Its permanent exhibition covers the four-decade reign of the Estado Novo – led by dictator António de Oliveira Salazar – during which tactics of torture, coercion and censorship were widely employed. Fortunately, the exhibition concludes on a more positive note with a recount of the peaceful Carnation Revolution, before opening out to a café on the top floor, which provides panoramic views of the city and plenty of time to reflect.

Listening to fado undoubtedly offers a glimpse into the soul of the country, so why not visit the Fado Museum to learn more about its history. Located in Alfama, it’s a short walk from the Santa Apolónia Station and across from many of the areas most popular cafés and restaurants.

Opened by young French artist Skoya Assemat-Tessandier in late 2016, The Switch is a recent addition to Lisbon’s art scene. Located just outside the city centre in the trendy, residential neighbourhood of Arroios, it occupies a former converted grocery store on an unassuming side street. This small and relatively unpretentious space is just the spot to discover something unexpected, as Assemat-Tessandier ensures a steady supply of eye-catching contemporary art on the gallery’s walls.

Why not visit one of Europe’s most amazing art collections with pieces dating all the way back to Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Donated to the city by Calouste Gulbenkian, this collection, mixing historical and contemporary art, took over 40 years to build and contains relics from numerous countries, cultures and eras. Recommended by Nina Santos.

Founded in 2012, the Galeria Belo-Galsterer is a contemporary art gallery with an international and multicultural personality. The artists, who come from around the world, pull inspiration from their own unique perspectives and use many different ways to express themselves including sculpture, installations, and drawings. Located around the corner from Marquês de Pombal Square, it is centrally located and easy to find while exploring the city. Recommended by Nina Santos.

One stop on art tours through the Portuguese capital is the Galeria Graça Brandão, located in Lisbon’s eclectic Bairro Alto. Founded in 2006, the Galeria Graça Brandão shines a light on contemporary art created by some of the newest and best creatives in the Portuguese-speaking world. Recommended by Nina Santos.

This rainbow-hued mural consists of over 52,000 small azulejo tiles, making it Lisbon’s largest work of street art. Bright and seemingly random with international symbols like the Eiffel Tower and New York City skyscrapers, it showcases places and things with meaning to the artist. Of course, you’ll also see symbols from Lisbon like the Águas Livres Aqueduct and a cartoon caricature of Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa. To really enjoy the mural and take stunning photos, avoid visiting on Tuesdays and Saturdays when the city’s Feira da Ladra flea market is in progress. Recommended by Nina Santos.

While not a gallery, Café A Brasileira is Lisbon’s most famous cafe and one of the oldest of its kind, being in business since 1905. In the early 20th century, Brasileira used to be a meeting spot for the city’s writers, artists and journalists, most notably the poet Fernando Pessoa. The cafe has kept its traditional art nouveau decor and old carved wood furniture, however, it mostly attracts tourists today. Brasileira is also a great spot to have a quick coffee or drink before attending a show or theatre performance nearby, and is a must-visit for any art lovers in Lisbon. Recommended by Nina Santos.

In reality, you could spend an entire 24 hours dedicated to finding Lisbon’s street art, and many neighbourhoods have excellent examples of urban art. Graça is a traditional neighbourhood, characterised by narrow cobbled streets, steep hills, and local restaurants and cafés. Walk uphill from the stunning Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte, after taking photos of the view and you’ll see these two popular designs decorating the façades of old buildings. Recommended by Nina Santos.

Whether you’re an art lover, an outdoor enthusiast or a seasoned foodie, our collection of multi-day tours in Portugal offer you the chance to see the very best of this amazing country, including its artistically rich capital, Lisbon.