The National Archaeology Museum is housed in the former dormitory of the Jerónimos Monastery
Founded in 1893, the former "Portuguese Ethnographic Museum" was installed in the former dormitory of the Jerónimos Monastery in 1903. It presents Portugal's rich archaeological heritage, with a valuable collection of jewelry, ceramics, sculpture and mosaics, mainly from Roman times.
The museum's collection includes Roman mosaics found around Portugal
Many of the pieces are the result of archaeological excavations carried out between 1930 and 1960, but also of various donations, including by the Portuguese royal family. It also has over 300 pieces from ancient Egypt (including mummies), but the main collection consists of artifacts from Portugal's prehistoric, Roman and medieval periods.
Sculptures from Portugal's original Celt-Iberian culture
It tells the thousands-old story of the people who inhabited the current Portuguese territory, from the Celts to the Romans, with the collection of pre-Roman jewelry being particularly noteworthy. It also has an important collection of Roman mosaics, especially from the south of the country.
This museum is where you can see many of the most significant pieces from Portugal's Roman occupation
In addition to the permanent collection, it presents temporary exhibitions, often in collaboration with other museums.
How to Get to the National Archaeology Museum
Belém is best reached by the Cascais train that departs from Cais do Sodré station in the center of Lisbon. It departs every 20 minutes, and takes just 7 minutes to reach the station in Belém, from where it’s just a short walk up the road to the monastery and the museum. Tram 15 actually remains the most popular choice to get to Belém from downtown Lisbon, but it’s usually too crowded to be recommended.
You may ride the train and the tram (as well as the city’s metro, buses and funiculars) for free with the Lisboa Card.
Praça do Império, Belém
www.museunacionalarqueologia.gov.pt
Admission and Tickets to the National Archaeology Museum
NOTE: This museum is closed for renovation until 2025.
Admission to the National Archaeology Museum is €8.00. It’s free with the Lisboa Card.
It's closed on Mondays
Attractions Nearby
Next door are the Jerónimos Monastery and the Maritime Museum. Across the street is the MAC/CCB Museum, and on the waterfront (via an underpass) is the Discoveries Monument.
