The MuDe is located in Lisbon's main pedestrian street
Lisbon's Design and Fashion Museum opened in 2009, after a few years as the Design Museum in the Belém Cultural Center (from 1999 to 2006). At the new location (a former bank headquarters) it added fashion to the design collection, which was put together by Portuguese businessman Francisco Capelo.
The MuDe's collection of design and fashion is considered one of the best in Europe
With pieces from the mid-1800s to the present, it's considered one of the best design museums in Europe. Leading design names are represented next to the top international fashion designers, like Charles & Ray Eames, Le Corbusier, Tom Dixon, Philippe Starck, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Versace, and also Tommy Hilfiger, who donated one of his pieces. One of the floors also presents temporary exhibitions.
The museum took over a former bank headquarters (Photo © MuDe)
The museum closed in 2016 for a complete renovation of the building, and was to reopen in 2018. However, there have been delays, and it remains closed with no scheduled reopening date. After the renovation, the total exhibition area will be 14,000m2, which will make it one of the largest design museums in Europe. It will have a new auditorium, a small cafeteria and a restaurant on the rooftop, overlooking the castle and the triumphal arch.
In the meantime, part of the collection is shown in small exhibitions in other parts of the city.
How to Get to the MuDe Design and Fashion Museum
The MuDe is within walking distance of anywhere in Baixa, Chiado and Alfama. The closest metro stations are Terreiro do Paço on the blue line, and Baixa-Chiado on the green and blue lines.
Rua Augusta, 24, Baixa
www.mude.pt
Admission and Tickets to the MuDe Design and Fashion Museum
The museum is currently closed. The temporary exhibitions presented around the city are usually free. Check out the website to know what's being shown where: www.mude.pt
Attractions Nearby
There's another museum a short walk away, the Money Museum, in a former church. The Santa Justa Elevator, which offers some of the best views of Lisbon, is also nearby.
