The Almada Negreiros Murals Interpretative Center by the 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon
The Almada Negreiros Murals Interpretative Center is a museum centered on modernist murals by 20th-century artist Almada Negreiros, but that essentially tells the story of the port of Lisbon and its role in the life and history of the city and Portugal. The building dates from the 1940s and the murals inside are considered the most significant of 20th-century Portugal.
The exhibition that tells the history of the port of Lisbon
Nine rooms on the ground floor tell the history of the port of Lisbon through photos and videos. They show the construction of the stations and the historical events that took place in them, such as the arrival and departure of European refugees during WWII, the departure of soldiers to the colonial wars in Africa, emigration, and the return of Portuguese nationals from Africa after the independence of the colonies.
The murals, restored with the aid of the World Monuments Fund, are upstairs, and an audio guide explains their significance.
The Almada Negreiros murals
Almada Negreiros was a writer and painter, and was invited to create these murals in 1949. Through eight panels, he shows life around the port of Lisbon, while incorporating national folklore and legends. There are images of the fishing community, of ship building, women carrying coal on their heads, and Lisbon monuments, such as the cathedral.
The modernist panels by Almada Negreiros in the port of Lisbon
How to Get to the Almada Negreiros Murals Interpretative Center
The fastest way to reach the Almada Negreiros Murals Interpretative Center is by train, taking the Cascais train from Cais do Sodré, which departs every twenty minutes and takes just four to reach Alcântara station, where you exit towards the docks and see the building of the museum just a few feet away. Tram 15 and buses 714 and 728 also stop nearby – you need to take a pedestrian underpass to cross the road from the bus and tram stop.
With the Lisboa Card (link below), you may ride the train, tram and buses (as well as the city’s metro and funiculars) for free.
Rua da Cintura do Porto de Lisboa (Gare Marítima de Alcântara), Alcântara
www.muraisalmadagaresmaritimas.pt
Admission and Tickets to the Almada Negreiros Murals Interpretative Center
Admission is free if you have the Lisboa Card. Otherwise, it’s €3 just for the murals and €5 for the murals and museum. Children between the ages of 6 and 15 pay €2 for a visit to the murals and €2.50 for the murals and museum. Children up to the age of 5 are free. Seniors and students pay €2.50 for the murals and €3.50 for the murals and museum.
Opens every day.
Attractions Nearby
Just across the road are Docas de Santo Amaro, the docks with a series of restaurants in converted warehouses with outdoor seating. Across the road from there is Pilar 7 - Bridge Experience, one of the pillars of 25 de Abril Bridge which houses a museum about the bridge and its construction, while allowing visitors to go up to an observation deck at the top of the monument. A short walk away is another former warehouse of the port of Lisbon that has been turned into a museum, the Orient Museum, with a collection of Asian art, particularly that which was influenced by the Portuguese presence in the East through trade and colonialism. The trendy shops and restaurants of Lx Factory are also nearby.
