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Museum · Lisboa, Lisboa
Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
Museum of the foundation created by the collector Calouste Gulbenkian, with art from Ancient Egypt to 20th‑century Europe, René Lalique jewelry and a modernist garden. Next door is the Centro de Arte Moderna.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
Calouste Gulbenkian was a businessman of Armenian origin who made his fortune in oil and lived in Lisbon from 1942 until his death in 1955. He left his collection and fortune to a foundation based in the city, and the museum opened in 1969.
The founder's collection comprises about six thousand pieces. The route runs from Egyptian and Mesopotamian art to Islamic, Chinese and Japanese art, then on to European painting with works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet and Renoir, as well as French furniture and the group of René Lalique jewelry and glass.
The modern‑lined building and the garden around it, with a pond, paths and abundant vegetation, are considered landmarks of 20th‑century Portuguese architecture and landscape design. The garden can be visited without a museum ticket.
On the other side of the garden is the Centro de Arte Moderna, with Portuguese and international art of the 20th and 21st centuries, in a building renovated by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours for the collection and the garden.
Best time
On weekdays, mornings are quieter. The garden is pleasant at any time of year. The museum is closed one day a week: check before you go.
How to get there
It is on Avenida de Berna, near Praça de Espanha. The São Sebastião and Praça de Espanha metro stations are a few minutes' walk away.
Tip
Allow time for the garden, one of the most pleasant in the city. The Lalique room is the most sought‑after; go there first if you have little time.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
What is in the Museu Gulbenkian?
Art from ancient Egypt, the Islamic world and Asia; European painting including Rembrandt and Monet; and the jewelry of René Lalique.
Who was Calouste Gulbenkian?
A businessman of Armenian origin who made his fortune in oil, lived in Lisbon from 1942 to 1955 and left the collection to a foundation.
Is the Gulbenkian garden open to the public?
Yes, the garden can be visited without a museum ticket.
What is the Centro de Arte Moderna?
The foundation's space dedicated to 20th- and 21st-century art, on the other side of the garden.