MUSEUMS TO GO FOR FREE IN LISBON

Museu de Lisboa (Lisbon Museum):

  • Detailed Overview: Museu de Lisboa is a network of several museums across the city, each with its own unique focus on Lisbon’s history and culture. It explores topics like the city’s neighborhoods, fashion, and urban development.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays and public holidays.
  • Address: Various locations in Lisbon, please check the website for specific museum locations.
  • Website: Museu de Lisboa
  • How to Get There: Locations vary, but you can use public transportation to reach the nearest metro or tram station.
  • Highlights: In-depth exploration of Lisbon’s history and culture.

Museu da Marioneta (Puppet Museum):

  • Detailed Overview: This charming museum is dedicated to the art of puppetry. It features a vast collection of puppets and showcases the history of this traditional form of entertainment.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays.
  • Address: Rua da Esperança, 146, 1200-660 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu da Marioneta
  • How to Get There: Take tram 25E to the Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da República) stop.
  • Highlights: Puppetry history, interactive exhibits, and puppet performances.

Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea – Museu do Chiado (National Museum of Contemporary Art – Chiado Museum):

  • Detailed Overview: The Chiado Museum houses an impressive collection of Portuguese art from the 19th and 20th centuries. It features works by renowned artists, including Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso and Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays and public holidays until 2:00 PM.
  • Address: Rua Serpa Pinto, 4, 1200-444 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu do Chiado
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Baixa-Chiado station.
  • Highlights: Portuguese modern art, historical building, and temporary exhibitions.

Museu Nacional do Teatro e da Dança (National Museum of Theatre and Dance):

  • Detailed Overview: This museum is dedicated to the performing arts, including theater and dance. It houses a wide range of historical costumes, props, and memorabilia related to Portugal’s theatrical heritage.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays.
  • Address: Estrada do Lumiar, 10, 1600-495 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu Nacional do Teatro e da Dança
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Lumiar station.
  • Highlights: Theatrical history, costume displays, and cultural significance.

Museu Bordalo Pinheiro (Bordalo Pinheiro Museum):

  • Detailed Overview: The Bordalo Pinheiro Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the renowned Portuguese artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro. It showcases his ceramics, caricatures, and illustrations.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays.
  • Address: Campo Grande, 382, 1700-091 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu Bordalo Pinheiro
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Campo Grande station.
  • Highlights: Ceramic art, political satire, and cultural history.

Museu do Aljube – Resistance and Freedom Museum (Museu do Aljube – Resistência e Liberdade):

  • Detailed Overview: This museum is dedicated to the memory of the resistance to the Estado Novo dictatorship in Portugal. It features exhibitions and artifacts related to the struggle for freedom.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission every Sunday and on specific dates.
  • Address: Campo Grande, 56, 1749-110 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu do Aljube
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Alvalade station.
  • Highlights: Historical exhibits, a focus on freedom fighters, and educational programs.

Museu da Carris (Carris Museum):

  • Detailed Overview: The Carris Museum showcases the history of public transportation in Lisbon, including trams, buses, and other forms of urban mobility. It’s an engaging experience for transport enthusiasts.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission every Sunday and public holidays.
  • Address: Rua 1º de Maio, 101, 1300-472 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu da Carris
  • How to Get There: Take tram 15E or the Lisbon Metro to Alcântara-Mar station.
  • Highlights: Vintage vehicles, historical context, and interactive displays.

Lisbon Water Museum (Museu da Água de Lisboa):

  • Detailed Overview: Housed in an old water reservoir, this museum explores the history of water supply and distribution in Lisbon. It offers insight into the city’s infrastructure and water management.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission every Sunday and public holidays.
  • Address: Avenida das Águas Livres, 271, 1600-260 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu da Água de Lisboa
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Jardim Zoológico station.
  • Highlights: Historical infrastructure, water heritage, and underground cistern.

Museu Geológico (Geological Museum):

  • Detailed Overview: The Geological Museum is part of the Portuguese Geological Institute and showcases an extensive collection of minerals, fossils, and geological exhibits, providing insights into the Earth’s history.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission every day.
  • Address: Avenida Elias Garcia, 41, 1000-147 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu Geológico
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Campo Pequeno station.
  • Highlights: Geological specimens, paleontological displays, and scientific knowledge.

Museu da Música (Music Museum):

  • Detailed Overview: The Music Museum is dedicated to the history of musical instruments and features an impressive collection of instruments from around the world. It offers a unique exploration of sound and music.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission every Sunday and public holidays.
  • Address: Estação do Metropolitano Alto dos Moinhos, 1500-081 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu da Música
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Alto dos Moinhos station.
  • Highlights: Varied instrument collection, musical heritage, and educational resources.

Museu da Eletricidade (Electricity Museum):

  • Detailed Overview: Housed in a former power station, this museum explores the history of electricity and its impact on society. It features interactive exhibits, historical machinery, and scientific displays.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays and public holidays until 2:00 PM.
  • Address: Avenida de Brasília, Central Tejo, 1300-598 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu da Eletricidade
  • How to Get There: Take tram 15E or bus 714 to Central Tejo.
  • Highlights: Historic power station, interactive displays, and educational programs.

Museu de São Roque (Saint Roch Museum):

  • Detailed Overview: Located in the Church of São Roque, this museum displays religious art and artifacts, including intricate baroque decor and an impressive collection of sacred art.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays until 2:00 PM.
  • Address: Largo Trindade Coelho, 1200-470 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu de São Roque
  • How to Get There: Take tram 28 to the Conceição stop.
  • Highlights: Baroque architecture, religious art, and ornate chapels.

Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum):

  • Detailed Overview: The National Tile Museum is dedicated to the history and art of Portuguese tiles. It features a vast collection of decorative tiles, including azulejos from various centuries.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays until 2:00 PM.
  • Address: Rua da Madre de Deus, 4, 1900-312 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu Nacional do Azulejo
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Bela Vista station.
  • Highlights: Tile art, historical tilework, and a cloister with azulejo panels.

Museu Nacional do Traje (National Museum of Costume):

  • Detailed Overview: This museum focuses on Portuguese traditional clothing and fashion. It showcases a wide range of historical costumes and accessories, providing insights into the country’s sartorial heritage.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays until 2:00 PM.
  • Address: Largo Júlio de Castilho, 1500-549 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu Nacional do Traje
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Alto dos Moinhos station.
  • Highlights: Traditional costumes, fashion history, and cultural attire.

Museu Nacional do Teatro Romano (National Museum of the Roman Theatre):

  • Detailed Overview: This museum is located on the site of an ancient Roman theater. It features archaeological remains, artifacts, and multimedia displays related to Roman Lisbon.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays.
  • Address: Rua de São Mamede, 3, 1100-532 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu Nacional do Teatro Romano
  • How to Get There: Take tram 12E or 28 to Sé stop.
  • Highlights: Roman theater ruins, historical excavations, and multimedia presentations.

Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência (National Museum of Natural History and Science):

  • Detailed Overview: This museum is dedicated to natural history and science. It features diverse exhibits on topics such as geology, zoology, and paleontology, making it an excellent educational destination.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays until 2:00 PM.
  • Address: Rua da Escola Politécnica, 58, 1250-102 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência
  • How to Get There: Take tram 24E or bus 709 to Rato.
  • Highlights: Fossils, minerals, natural history specimens, and a botanical garden.

Museu Arpad Szenes – Vieira da Silva (Arpad Szenes – Vieira da Silva Museum):

  • Detailed Overview: This museum is dedicated to the work of two important 20th-century artists, Arpad Szenes and Vieira da Silva. It showcases their paintings, drawings, and artistic contributions.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays.
  • Address: Praça das Amoreiras, 56/58, 1250-020 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu Arpad Szenes – Vieira da Silva
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Rato station.
  • Highlights: Modern art, abstract expressionism, and a beautiful garden.

Museu Nacional de Etnologia (National Museum of Ethnology):

  • Detailed Overview: The National Museum of Ethnology focuses on the cultural diversity of Portuguese-speaking countries. It features ethnographic exhibits, masks, textiles, and art from various regions.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays.
  • Address: Avenida Ilha da Madeira, 1400-203 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu Nacional de Etnologia
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Jardim Zoológico station.
  • Highlights: Cultural diversity, traditional artifacts, and world cultures.

Museu de São Vicente de Fora (São Vicente de Fora Monastery Museum):

  • Detailed Overview: This museum is located within the São Vicente de Fora Monastery complex. It houses religious art and artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, and decorative items.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays.
  • Address: Largo São Vicente, 1100-572 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu de São Vicente de Fora
  • How to Get There: Take tram 12E or 28 to Graça.
  • Highlights: Religious art, baroque architecture, and monastery history.

Museu do Oriente (Museum of the Orient):

  • Detailed Overview: The Museum of the Orient focuses on the cultural exchange between Portugal and Asian countries. It features an extensive collection of Asian art, including textiles, ceramics, and more.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Fridays from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
  • Address: Avenida Brasília, Doca de Alcântara (Norte), 1350-352 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu do Oriente
  • How to Get There: Take tram 15E or bus 714 to Alcântara.
  • Highlights: Asian art, cultural exchange, and temporary exhibitions.

Museu da Água – Reservatório da Mãe d’Água das Amoreiras (Water Museum – Amoreiras Water Reservoir):

  • Detailed Overview: Housed within a historic water reservoir, this museum explores the history of water supply and distribution in Lisbon. It features exhibits on hydraulic engineering and the water system.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays.
  • Address: Praça das Amoreiras, 10, 1250-020 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Museu da Água – Mãe d’Água
  • How to Get There: Take tram 28 to Rato.
  • Highlights: Hydraulic engineering, water history, and underground reservoir.

Casa Fernando Pessoa (Fernando Pessoa House):

  • Detailed Overview: Casa Fernando Pessoa is dedicated to the life and work of Portugal’s renowned poet, Fernando Pessoa. The museum is located in his former home and features a collection of his writings, personal belongings, and a library.
  • Free Days/Hours: Free admission on Sundays and public holidays.
  • Address: Rua Coelho da Rocha, 16, 1250-088 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Website: Casa Fernando Pessoa
  • How to Get There: Take the Lisbon Metro to Rato station.
  • Highlights: Poet’s home, personal artifacts, and a library dedicated to Pessoa’s work.