Best art museums in Lisbon: discovering the city's artistic wonders

Lisbon is the perfect city for culture vultures looking for a mini break. Come for a summer getaway and spend your days riding historic trams, eating delicious local food, and admiring historic landmarks. The capital of Portugal packs a serious punch.

Your trip should also include some unmissable art in Lisbon. Among the art galleries in Lisbon, you'll find plenty of options offering something for everyone. Whether you're seeking old European masters or you want to see the latest street art, the best art museums in Lisbon are sure to dazzle you. Discover classic Portuguese tile design or explore the life of international icons like Frida Kahlo and Banksy.

Best art museums in Lisbon

1. Admire traditional masters at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is one of the finest private art collections in the world. The eclectic exhibits include everything from Ancient Egyptian art to 20th-century works. This is truly an art lover's paradise.

Highlights:

Pick up a Calouse Gulbenkian Museum Entry Ticket to lose yourself in art history. Don't miss works by great masters like Rembrandt, Turner, and Rubens.

Address and opening hours:

Avenida de Berna 45A, 1067-001 Lisbon. Open Wednesday-Monday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Closed Tuesdays.

2. Check out treasured portraits in the Royal Treasure Museum

Portugal is now a republic, but its royal history can still be seen at this museum. Among the elaborate outfits and fancy silverware, you'll see impressive paintings of kings, queens, and their children.

Highlights:

Your Royal Treasure Museum Entry Ticket gives you access to all the collections on display. As well as the paintings, you can admire stunning jewels from all around the Portuguese Empire.

Address and opening hours:

Largo da Ajuda, 1349-021 Lisbon. Open Thursday-Tuesday, 10:00 AM-5:30 PM. Closed Wednesdays.

3. See the world's best graffiti at the Banksy Museum

The anonymous Banksy has become famous for his iconic street art. You can see many of his politically-charged works at the Banksy Museum. The collection here includes some of his most famous pieces, like Girl with Balloon.

Highlights:

Pick up a Banksy Museum Permanent Exhibit Ticket to lose yourself in the world of street art. As well as the murals, you'll see a number of fascinating videos and installations.

Address and opening hours:

Rua Viriato 25B, 1050-234 Lisbon. Open Monday-Friday, 1:00 PM-8:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM.

4. Discover the life of history's most iconic female artist

The Mexican painter Frida Kahlo is an international legend. At this unique exhibit, which uses virtual reality technology to bring her works to life, you'll be able to admire some of her finest paintings in an entirely new way.

Highlights:

The Frida Kahlo, The Life of an Icon Exhibition is about more than just art. You'll also learn about Frida's fascinating life story.

Address and opening hours:

Praça das Amoreiras 10, 1250-020 Lisbon. Open Tuesday-Friday, 2:30 PM-7:00 PM and Saturday-Sunday, 1:30 PM-8:30 PM. Closed Mondays.

Best design museums in Lisbon

5. Explore a uniquely Portuguese art form at the National Tile Museum

You'll see Portugal's famous azulejo tiles all over the city, but they're at their best in the National Tile Museum. With exhibits from the 15th century onwards, this museum is the perfect spot to learn about how this special Portuguese art has evolved.

Highlights:

You'll find other things to admire with your National Tile Museum Entry Ticket. The museum is set in an old convent, and there are lots of beautiful wood carvings to admire along with the tiles.

Address and opening hours:

Rua Me. Deus 4, 1900-312 Lisbon. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-12:30 PM and 2:00 PM-5:30 PM. Closed Mondays.

6. Check out dazzling fashion at MUDE

The Museum of Design and Fashion is a must for any fans of style. You'll see jewelry and clothes through the ages, as well as other examples of fascinating design. Don't miss the dress that Renee Zellweger wore to the 2001 Oscars.

Highlights:

One of the most interesting parts of the museum is the Francisco Capelo Collection. You'll see haute-couture elsewhere, but this gallery focuses on the art of everyday items, showing how designs evolved from the 1930s onwards.

Address and opening hours:

Rua Augusta 24, 1100-053 Lisbon. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

7. Discover Lisbon's folk art at the Puppet Museum

Learn about the evolution of the theater at the Museu da Marioneta. This fascinating museum in Lisbon isn't just for kids. It houses puppets, masks, and stage props from around the world.

Highlights:

Design fans will be particularly fond of the 20th-century galleries, which focus on avant-garde, cutting-edge styles.

Address and opening hours:

Rua da Esperança 146, 1200-660 Lisbon. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

Alternative museums in Lisbon

8. Become the artwork in the 3D Fun Art Museum

It's time for you to be the star of the show. At Lisbon's 3D Fun Art Museum, you'll find a number of backdrops for you to pose against. The kids will love it, but it's also a great choice for fun-loving grown-ups.

Highlights:

Get your camera ready because you'll want to take pictures of yourself as an angel, a shark attack victim, and a Lisbon tram driver. Don't miss the dazzling infinity mirror room, a 21st-century upgrade to the classic hall of mirrors.

Address and opening hours:

Avenida Miguel Bombarda 91, 1050-055 Lisbon. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

9. See classic art in a new light at the Immersivus Gallery

You'll recognize the famous works by Monet, Klimt, and more, but you've never seen them like this. The Immersivus Gallery uses the latest digital technology to turn classic art into a fully immersive experience. You'll feel like you've just stepped into a painting.

Highlights:

When you collect your Immersive Show Tickets for Immersivus Gallery, check to see which exhibits are currently available. The gallery regularly changes its highlighted artists, so you'll have a different experience every time.

Address and opening hours:

Praça das Amoreiras 10, 1250-020 Lisbon. Open Tuesday-Friday, 2:30 PM-7:00 PM and Saturday-Sunday, 1:30 PM-8:30 PM. Closed Mondays.

10. Join the hipster crowd at the Underdogs Gallery

If your taste in art leans toward the ultra-modern, then the Underdogs Gallery needs to be on your list. This sparse white space is home to works by some of Portugal's best up-and-coming artists.

Highlights:

There's a constant rotation of new, innovative exhibits at the Underdogs Gallery. In the summer months, look out for cool outdoor exhibits, too.

Address and opening hours:

Rua Fernando Palha 56, 1950-132 Lisbon. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 2:00 PM-7:00 PM. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

FAQs

Are there any free-entry days for art museums in Lisbon?

There isn't a particular free-entry day for all the art museums in Lisbon. However, some museums have specific rules. For example, the Calouste Gulbenkian is free on Sundays after 2:00 PM.

What are some unique and lesser-known art museums worth visiting in Lisbon?

The Underdogs Gallery, a modern art space, is a lesser-known but extremely cool museum in Lisbon. You'll also find unusual, innovative exhibits at the Immersivus Gallery.

Which art museums in Lisbon have works by famous artists?

There are some galleries in Lisbon specifically dedicated to famous artists, like the Banksy Museum. For a more general collection, go to the Calouste Gulbenkian. Here you can see works by masters like Rubens, Rembrandt, Rodin, and Manet.

Are the art museums in Lisbon wheelchair accessible?

Most art museums in Lisbon are wheelchair accessible. Many of the older buildings, like the National Tile Museum, have been adapted and fitted with ramps for access. It's always worth checking in advance, as sometimes you may need to swap your standard wheelchair for a smaller one.

Are there any art museums in Lisbon that are suitable for children and families?

The 3D Fun Art Museum is ideal for kids, who'll love the fun, playful exhibits. They'll also enjoy the Immersivus Gallery. This showcases classic art in a new, immersive way, and it's a great idea to introduce children to the world of art.