Welcome to Lisbon, where you will find the artistic expression woven into the fabric of its vibrant culture.
If you are like me, inclined to the aesthetic, exploring the art galleries in Lisbon will feel like a journey through time, culture, and innovation will surely delight you.
From contemporary masterpieces to historical treasures, Lisbon’s galleries offer a diverse tapestry of artistic experiences that captivate and inspire.
In this guide for artsy travels, I embark on a tour of the best art galleries in Lisbon, each a portal to the rich artistic heritage and cutting-edge creativity.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the dynamic world of Lisbon’s art scene, where every brushstroke tells a story, and each gallery unveils a new chapter in the city’s artistic narrative.
Top Lisbon Art Galleries to Explore
Whether you enjoy art or want to find out more about the arts, the list of art galleries here will mesmerize you. But if you like exploring something different, visit these eight free museums.
MAAT – Museum
The MAAT – Museum of Art is a cultural institution in Lisbon, Portugal, blending contemporary art, architecture, and technology in its diverse exhibits. It is a modern art museum with a mix of old art.
Established in 2016, MAAT quickly became a prominent landmark on the banks of the Tagus River. In the historic Belém district, MAAT’s address is Av. BrasÃlia, Central Tejo, 1300-598 Lisbon, Portugal.
The museum’s unique architecture, designed by the renowned British architect Amanda Levete, is characterized by undulating curves and a reflective facade, creating an aesthetically striking presence.
MAAT offers a captivating exploration of various artistic mediums, from visual arts to technology-driven installations. Here, you can find everything from Portuguese artists to international art pieces.
The museum aims to foster dialogue about the intersection of art and technology, making it a dynamic space for creative expression and critical discourse. So, you can expect temporary exhibits to their permanent collection.
Entree Fees: €9 for adults, €6 for students and seniors, children under 12 go free.
Opening Times: The art museum opens on Monday and Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm
Suitable For: Couples and Families
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Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga Gallery Space
The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, also known as the National Museum of Ancient Art, is a cultural institution in Lisbon, Portugal, dedicated to preserving and showcasing a significant collection of European art.
The museum was established in 1884 and is housed in the Palácio de Alvor-Pombal, a former palace that dates back to the 17th century.
Over the years, the Museu Nacional de Arte has undergone expansions and renovations to accommodate its growing collection and provide an enriching experience for visitors.
Furthermore, the Museu Nacional De Arte boasts an extensive and diverse collection emphasizing Portuguese art from the 12th to the 19th centuries. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, textiles, and other artifacts.
Some of the highlights of the museum’s collection include works by prominent artists such as Hieronymus Bosch, Albrecht Dürer, and Nuno Gonçalves.
One of the most famous pieces in the collection is the “Saint Vincent Panels,” attributed to Nuno Gonçalves, representing a group of prominent Portuguese figures of the 15th century.
The museum’s location is R. das Janelas Verdes, 1249-017 Lisboa, Portugal.
Entree Fees: €6 for adults
Opening Times: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Suitable For: People who enjoy art and history
Museum Residence of Dr. Anastacio Goncalves
Dr. Anastacio Gonçalves Museum is an amazing gallery in Lisbon, Portugal, offering a glimpse into the life and collection of the renowned Portuguese art collector Dr. Anastácio Gonçalves.
Housed in a charming early 20th-century mansion, the museum showcases various art and decorative objects. You can find it at Avenida 5 de Outubro 6 8, 1050-055 Lisboa, Portugal.
Highlights include Dr. Gonçalves’ permanent exhibition, featuring works by Portuguese and international artists spanning different periods. The museum’s elegant rooms are adorned with paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and furniture, creating a unique and intimate atmosphere.
Notable pieces include works by José Malhoa, Silva Porto, and Rodolfo Amoedo. The museum also preserves Dr. Gonçalves’ private library, adding an intellectual dimension to the visitor’s experience.
The carefully curated collection and the historical ambiance of the Casa-Museu Dr. Anastácio Gonçalves provide a delightful and culturally enriching journey for art enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
Entry Fees: €9 for adults, €6 for students and seniors, children under 12 go free.
Opening Times: Tuesday–Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Suitable For: People who enjoy art and history
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Coleção Berardo Museu Art Deco
The Museu Coleção Berardo, also known as the Berardo Collection Museum, is an essential cultural institution in Lisbon, Portugal. The museum is named after Portuguese businessman and art collector José Berardo.
The Berardo Museu Art Deco was inaugurated on June 25, 2007, in the Belém Cultural Center (Centro Cultural de Belém), a prominent cultural complex in Lisbon. The museum showcases the impressive art collection amassed by José Berardo over several decades.
The Museu Coleção Berardo is strategically located in the Belém district of Lisbon, a historic area known for its cultural attractions. The exact address is: Praça do Império, 1449-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
Some highlighted features are the extensive art collection and the building itself. You can explore works by prominent artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador DalÃ, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock.
You can also check out the exhibition spaces and educational programs presented at the gallery. Sometimes, you can find international artists’ work displayed.
Entry Fees: €5 for adults
Opening Times: Open daily from 10 am to 7 pm
Suitable For: People who enjoy art and history
Museu do Fado Art Museums
The Museu do Fado, located in Lisbon, Portugal, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Fado music.
Established in 1998, the museum is situated in the historic Alfama district, a fitting location given the district’s association with Fado’s origins. Housed in a former water pumping station, the museum blends history and music.
Its main features include an extensive collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and audiovisual displays showcasing the evolution of Fado over the years. You can explore the lives and contributions of iconic Fado artists.
The art gallery also serves as an educational hub, offering insights into the cultural and social contexts that have shaped Fado’s unique expression.
With its immersive exhibits and central location, Museu do Fado provides a captivating experience for those eager to delve into the soulful world of Portugal’s traditional music.
You can work with local and international artists at the temporary exhibitions to enjoy. You can visit the museum at this address: Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 1, 1100-139 Lisbon, Portugal.
Entry Fees: From 13 to 25 years old, it costs 5 €, and for those over 65 years old, it costs 4,30 €. For disabled people, the fee is 4,30 € with a free escort. If you have the Lisbon Card, you pay 4 €
Opening Times: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm except for Mondays, closed
Suitable For: People who enjoy art and history and great nightlife in the district
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Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
The charming gallery is in a modern and spacious building within a beautifully landscaped garden, providing a serene and culturally enriching environment.
The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian is named after the Armenian oil magnate and philanthropist Calouste Gulbenkian.
Established in 1969, the museum is part of the more extensive Gulbenkian Foundation, which aims to promote arts, science, and education.
Calouste Gulbenkian’s impressive collection and vision for supporting cultural endeavors led to the creation of this museum.
Here, you can enjoy an extensive art collection that spans different periods and cultures. Some artifacts include Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Islamic, Asian, and European art.
The collection also features paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and jewelry. Notable artists in the collection include Rembrandt, Renoir, Monet, and Lalique. Visit the Av. de Berna 45A art gallery, 1067-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
Entry Fees: Adults pay 10 euros, and visitors under 30 or over 65 pay 5 euros. It is free when visiting on a Sunday after 2 pm or with children under 12.
Opening Times: Open Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm except for Tuesdays, closed
Suitable For: People who enjoy art and history
Museu Nacional do Azulejo
Now, there is the Museu Nacional do Azulejo for something completely different in art. It is an art gallery and treasure trove of Portuguese tile art known as azulejos.
Here, you can see a stunning collection of decorative ceramic tiles from the 15th century until today.
You can admire the azulejo panels that showcase scenes from Portuguese history, vibrant geometric patterns, and religious narratives. On the interior, you see tile-covered walls for an immersive experience.
The tile museum was established in 1965, and you find it in the old Madre Deus Convent, another historic building with a rich cultural heritage.
Head to Rua da Madre de Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisbon, Portugal, to visit the art gallery.
Entry Fees: For adults, it is 5 €
Opening Times: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Suitable For: People who enjoy art and history
Berardo Museum Art Deco
To see one of the most comprehensive art collections regarding art deco works, visit the Berardo Museu Arte Deco at R. 1º de Maio 24, 1300-474 Lisboa, Portugal.
There are more than 300 different pieces that include crystals, furniture, paintings, ceramics, and sculptures—the art collections from the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th-century artists.
Some standout pieces on display are mainly found on the 2nd floor.
Entry Fees: Must book ahead of time and include a guide adults 6 euros
Opening Times: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm
Suitable For: People who love art deco work
Galeria 111 Contemporary Art Gallery
Galeria 111 is a prominent art gallery at R. Dr. João Soares 5B, 1600-060 Lisbon. The gallery plays a crucial role in showcasing contemporary Portuguese and international art.
The gallery is known for its commitment to promoting emerging artists with its private art collections and innovative artworks, contributing to the dynamic cultural scene in Lisbon.
The history of Galleria 111 reflects a dedication to fostering creativity and providing a platform for artists to express themselves.
With a focus on diverse artistic expressions, the gallery hosts exhibitions that span various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and installations.
You can expect a captivating experience, encountering cutting-edge artworks pushing traditional artistic conventions’ boundaries.
The gallery’s commitment to supporting established and emerging talent makes it a hub for art enthusiasts seeking fresh and thought-provoking perspectives within the vibrant artistic landscape.
Entry Fees: Free of charge
Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm
Suitable For: People who love contemporary artists work
Galeria Belo-Galsterer Contemporary Gallery
If you enjoy contemporary art, you will love the Galeria Belo-Galsterer, which showcases the best Portuguese artist’s work.
The gallery’s founder is Ana Belo-Galsterer, which promotes Portuguese contemporary art worldwide.
The art collection is stunning; diverse work is seen from international to established national artists. You can even find work available from emerging artists.
Visit the gallery at Galeria Belo-Galsterer, Rua Castilho 71, 1250-068 Lisbon.
Entry Fees: Free of charge
Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday from 2 pm to 7 pm
Suitable For: People who love contemporary artists work
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Wrap-Up: Best Lisbon Art Galleries
Lisbon’s art scene, adorned with many galleries, offers a captivating journey for artsy travelers.
From the contemporary marvels at the Berardo Museum to the avant-garde expressions at Galleria 111 and beyond, the city unfolds as a canvas of cultural richness.
Each gallery, steeped in history and innovation, contributes to the tapestry of Lisbon’s artistic landscape.
As you meander through spaces like Galeria Belo-Galsterer, they are embraced by a diverse spectrum of creative visions.
Lisbon’s art galleries not only showcase the city’s creative pulse but also provide a transformative experience, making it a must-visit destination for those with an appreciation for the arts.
But if art is not your scene, you can always explore the magnificent Lisbon viewpoints. But if you are visiting Lisbon, these are also a must-see. So check out my article on the best Lisbon Miradouros as well.
