The Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is Lisbon’s finest art museum: a superb private collection spanning thousands of years, from Egyptian antiquities and Islamic ceramics to European masterpieces and René Lalique jewellery. It’s set in beautiful gardens, and next door is the CAM modern art centre. Here’s how to visit.

Quick answer: the museum reopened in July 2026 after an 18-month renovation. It’s near São Sebastião metro station. It’s free on Sunday afternoons and for under-18s, and closed on Tuesdays. The neighbouring CAM (Modern Art Centre) costs around €12. Allow 2 to 3 hours for both, plus time in the gardens.

The collection

Calouste Gulbenkian, an Armenian oil magnate, spent his final years in Lisbon and left his collection to Portugal. Highlights include:

• Egyptian and classical antiquities.
• Islamic art: carpets, tiles, ceramics and manuscripts.
• Asian art: Chinese porcelain and Japanese lacquer.
• European painting: works by old masters and Impressionists.
• Lalique jewellery: an extraordinary Art Nouveau collection.

CAM and the gardens

The Modern Art Centre (CAM) has a striking new building and focuses on modern and contemporary art, including Portuguese artists. The gardens around both buildings are a peaceful green escape, with ponds and shady paths.

Tips

• Free Sunday afternoons are popular, so arrive early.
• Combine with Avenida da Liberdade or Parque Eduardo VII. See Avenida da Liberdade.
• Rainy day: perfect. See Lisbon on a rainy day.

More: the best museums in Lisbon and things to do in Lisbon.

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