The museu is housed in a former convent
The National Museum of Contemporary Art of Chiado opened in 1911 in a former convent. It was completely refurbished in 1994, when Lisbon was the European Capital of Culture, and expanded to the building next door in 2015.
It holds nearly 5,000 works by Portuguese artists from 1850 to the present (and some French sculpture from the late 1800s), but most pieces date from before 1950. The collection consists mostly of paintings, but also includes sculpture, photography, sketches, prints and installations.
The vaulted interior of the former convent
All the big names of modern and contemporary art in Portugal are represented, from Almada Negreiros to Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, Júlio Pomar, Mário Cesariny and Paula Rego. Due to space restrictions, the permanent collection is shown in themed and temporary exhibitions.
One of the museum's highlights is a painting by Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro
The expansion in 2015 made it possible to show works from 1960 to 1990, but the main exhibitions are still shown in the former convent, which has kept parts of its past (like the old ovens). The cafeteria on the landscaped terrace, which has a few sculptures, is a good choice for a meal in the open air, even when you’re not visiting the museum.
The terrace has several sculptures and a café
How to Get to the National Museum of Contemporary Art of Chiado
The museum is just a few feet from the Largo do Chiado exit of the Baixa-Chiado metro station (on the blue or green lines). Tram 28 also stops around the corner, on Rua Vítor Cordon.
You may ride the metro and the tram (as well as the city’s buses, funiculars, and trains) for free with the Lisboa Card.
Rua Serpa Pinto, 4-6, Chiado
www.museuartecontemporanea.gov.pt
Admission and Tickets to the National Museum of Contemporary Art of Chiado
Admission is €8.00, or free with the Lisboa Card.
It's closed on Mondays.
Attractions Nearby
From the museum you can walk to the beautiful ruins and archaeological museum of Carmo Convent and head to the top of the Santa Justa Elevator. Two of Lisbon’s richest churches (Igreja de São Roque and Igreja de Santa Catarina) are also within walking distance.
