When you picture Portugal, chances are you see Lisbon and its hilly city center, overlooking the Ocean. A city so not European that it literally stands on the physical border of Europe, on its far west coast. And I don’t mean it in a bad way. Lisbon is a mix, there you can feel the adventurous spirit of its people, and the fact that for many centuries they traveled and lived all around the globe can be sensed in its architecture, cuisine, and overall culture.

I travel to Lisbon regularly, to attend the ARCOlisboa art fair and it holds a special place in my heart. I first got there with a friend at 23, after we both graduated in Arts Management. It was our graduation trip, and it is still one of the best trips I have done to date. The company was great, the destination – Portugal – excellent, and the adventures epic. We still laugh like crazy when remembering that trip!
Since then, I have been back a few times and every time the city surprises me with something new, from the beautiful purple Jacaranda trees in spring, to secluded gardens, and newly opened museums.

But apart from amazing sceneries and great wines, delicious food, and charming cities, Lisbon has many interesting events and initiatives linked to contemporary art. So much so that the local government encourages and finances art-related events and also provides artists and galleries abroad with funds to promote local Portuguese contemporary artists on the international scene. 

In all this, Lisbon plays, unsurprisingly, a huge role, with several high-quality destinations for contemporary art lovers. Between museums and private collections, galleries, and art fairs, Lisbon proves itself as one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. 

So, while I pack my luggage for a (long awaited) trip I will share with all of you very soon, here are the top 3 museums to check in Lisbon for contemporary art. 

museums lisbon - MAC/CCB
MAC/CCB – Museu de Arte Contemporânea / Centro Cultural del Belém | Photo courtesy MAC/CCB

MAC/CCB – Museum of Contemporary Art

I don’t usually mention places in a specific order, but not this time. MAC/CCB is at the top of my list for a specific reason, because it’s my favorite place in Lisbon.

Located in Belém, near the famous Torre de Belém and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the Monument of the Discoveries, the museum is one of the most important – if not the biggest – museum of modern and contemporary art in Portugal. If you only have time to visit one museum when visiting Lisbon, it has to be this one. 

Opened in 2023 within the iconic spaces of the Centro Cultural de Belém, the Museum receives in deposit works from the State Contemporary Art Collection (CACE), the Teixeira de Freitas Collection, the Ellipse Collection, and the Berardo Collection.

Installations views | Images courtesy of Museu Coleção Berardo

The stunning collection is hosted in a series of minimal white rooms, where visitors can see examples of all the major artistic movements and influences along the path, from surrealism to pop art, hyper-realism, minimalist art to conceptual art in chronological order.

Moreover, the new MAC/CCB, which includes the Architecture Centre/Garagem Sul, affirms the mission of the Centro Cultural de Belém, enhancing the dialogue between visual arts, architecture, and performing arts with the presentation of temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists.

The museum can be easily reached from Lisbon city center, and the visit can be paired with nearby attractions or with a delicious pastel at the uber famous and extremely recommended cafe Pastéis de Belém, just steps away from the museum. 

MAC/CCB – Museum of Contemporary Art
Praça do Império, 1449-003 Lisboa, Portugal

Info, tickets and opening hours: www.ccb.pt

museums lisbon - Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporâneo do Chiado

Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporâneo do Chiado

More specifically dedicated to Portuguese art and artists, the MNAC, or National Museum of Contemporary Art, is situated in the Chiado neighborhood of Lisbon, in the city’s historic center. 

It was originally opened in 1911, but later it was re-inaugurated in 1994, with new installations and a renovation done by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. The museum hosts an impressive collection of Portuguese artists dating from the 1850s to today. Here you can find the best collection of Portuguese painting and sculpture from the Romanticism, Naturalism, and Modern periods, with works by artists like Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, Almada Negreiros, Silva Porto, Mario Cesariny and Paula Rego. But the museum also presents recent acquisitions and more experimental works by contemporary artists, as well as temporary exhibitions. 

Considering the perfect location, in the very center of Lisbon and close to most of the city’s other major attractions, it is well worth a visit while strolling around.

Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporâneo do Chiado
R. Serpa Pinto 4, 1200-444 Lisboa, Portugal

Info, tickets and opening hours: www.museuartecontemporanea.gov.pt

Museums lisbon - Centro de Arte Moderna - Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian
Jorge Franganillo from Barcelona, Spain, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Centro de Arte Moderna – Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian

The third I would like to mention is not specifically dedicated to contemporary art, although its collection hosts more than a few great works by contemporary masters. 

The Center of Modern Art is part of the marvelous Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, a Portuguese institution dedicated to the promotion of the arts, philanthropy, science, and education. As part of the foundation, the center hosts a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, mostly displaying Portuguese artists alongside international ones. The museum also has a beautiful garden, a true oasis of peace in the city.

The CAM building was inaugurated in 1983 to display the collection of Calouste Gulbenkian. It is currently under renovation, and there is a stunning project by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma to renew and add a new pavilion in the garden.

Despite not having a precise date for its reopening yet, the museum will surely regain its position among the best museums in Lisbon once the renovation works are concluded. 

Centro de Arte Moderna
R. Dr. Nicolau Bettencourt, 1050-078 Lisboa, Portugal

Info, tickets, and opening hours: gulbenkian.pt

museums lisbon - MAAT
MAAT – Lisbon | Photo portugal.com

Bonus: MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology

Recently added to the already impressive offer of museums Lisbon boasts, MAAT is a must-visit destination for everyone in the Portuguese capital.  This innovative museum offers a dynamic program of exhibitions exploring the intersection of art, architecture, and technology.

Located in the vibrant Belém district, on the banks of the Tagus River, MAAT’s striking building is a architectural landmark in itself. The museum comprises a former power station built in 1908 (MAAT Central) and a contemporary building (MAAT Gallery) connected via a park that extends along the River Tagus (MAAT Garden). In addition to the program of temporary exhibitions and activities, the museum also features permanent exhibitions such as The Electricity Factory at Central Tejo and the sculptures in the outdoor spaces.

Moreover, beyond its captivating exhibitions, the museum provides a range of services including a contemporary restaurant offering panoramic river views, a bookstore featuring art and design publications, and a lively events calendar hosting talks, workshops, and festivals. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, MAAT is a must-visit destination in Lisbon.

MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
Av. Brasília, Belém – 1300-598, Lisbon

Info, tickets, and opening hours: www.maat.pt

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Cover image by Theodor Vasile on Unsplash