Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

The collection of the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is one of the largest private collections in Europe.

Its owner, engineer and oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian, spent over 40 years tracking down the pieces now held in the museum. He spent his final days in Portugal, and donated his collection to the country upon his death in 1955.

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Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Its vast and varied collection spans art history from 2000 BC to the present day.

Some highlights: Greco-Roman jewelry unique in the world; an Assyrian bas-relief on a shield dating from the 9th century BC; an impressive collection of Hellenic coins; beautiful Oriental works of art in porcelain; and a variety of Roman pieces.

It is a museum that brings together Islamic, Egyptian, Greek, Asian, and European art all in one place.

It also features works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, Van Dyck and Renoir.

What to See at the Gulbenkian Museum

The most popular galleries are those dedicated to Islamic Art and Oriental Art: Featuring glasswork, Persian carpets, tiles, and other works from 16th- and 17th-century Persia, Turkey, Syria, and India, as well as porcelain, jade, paintings, and lacquered boxes from China and Japan.

The museum also displays the jewelry work of René Lalique (1860–1945). This master jeweler created some of the most beautiful pieces of his era, working with glass, precious stones, and gold. His quality and consistency are considered unparalleled in the world.

Next to the museum, sharing the same gardens, is the Lisbon Modern Art Center, which houses the modern collection of Calouste Gulbenkian.

The museum was renovated in 2001, during which time many of its works went "on vacation" to the Metropolitan Museum of New York.

Gulbenkian Gardens

Surrounding the museum is a spacious garden with lovely spots to relax or enjoy a snack. The gardens are very popular with Lisbon locals and with families visiting Lisbon with children.

The museum has a café and a souvenir shop.

Remember that you can save 20% by using the Lisbon Card to enter this museum.

Price

€10 standard ticket / 50% off for under 29s and over 65s / Free on Sundays from 14:00

Buy tickets

Address

Av. de Berna 45A, 1067-001 Lisbon

Hours

10:00–18:00. Closed Tuesdays, January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, and December 24–25.

How to get there?

Nearest Metro station: Praça Espanha