Top 5 Modern Art Museums in Lisbon

Lisbon is a fantastic holiday destination for any lover of art. The vibrant Portuguese city is filled with galleries and museums that celebrate genres, themes and mediums from around the world. Of particular note is Lisbon’s collection of modern art museums. Spread out across the colorful city centre, these museums offer insight into the city’s rich culture and point of view. Easily reached from the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, America Diamond’s Hotel and other wonderful Lisbon hotels, here are five modern art museums worth including in your tour:

1. Modern Art Center

Situated near the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation headquarters and Museum, the Modern Art Center commands a central address in Lisbon. Upon entering the large white building, you will discover an incredible collection of modern Portuguese art and contemporary art. The Modern Art Center (officially known as the Centro de Arte Moderna Jose de Azeredo Perdigão) also features a sizeable collection of 20^th-century British art. Among the highlights are works by Almada Negreiros, Paula Rego (arguably Portugal’s most influential contemporary artist) and Amadeo Souza Cardoso. You can also find pieces by David Hockney and Bill Woodrow, and even a Henry Moore sculpture in the garden.

2. Chiado Museum

As Portugal’s national gallery of contemporary art, the Chiado Museum is obviously a popular attraction. Its architecture was recently redesigned by Jean-Michel Wilmotte to better accent the collection of 19^th- and 20^th-century Portuguese art. The permanent collection is displayed in thematic exhibitions; you can easily follow the transition from Romanticism to Modernism. While the collection is heavily Portuguese, there are also a few international pieces. Be sure to see the Rodin masterpieces, like The Bronze Age, and the Art Deco diptychs by Almada Negreiros. The Chiado Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, and is home to a pleasant café.

3. Arpad Szenes – Vieira da Silva Museum

Founded by a couple of graduates of the Second School of Paris, the Arpad Szenes – Vieira da Silva Museum features a unique and comprehensive collection of Modernist art. Back in the 1930’s, Vieira da Silva was at the vanguard of European art, hailed for her vision and innovative techniques. With her husband—Hungarian artist Arpad Szenes—she eventually founded this focused museum. The collection centers around Expressionist urban themes (da Silva’s specialty) and the luminous landscape paintings of her husband’s. Along with their own work, the couple welcomes temporary exhibitions to the 18^th-century silk factory that now houses the museum.

4. Berardo Museum

Home to one of the most acclaimed modern art collections in the world, the Berardo Museum is an important landmark in Lisbon. Within its confines, you will find awe-inspiring pieces by everyone from Picasso and Dali to Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. Cumulated by Portuguese magnate Joe Berardo over many years, the collection was once sought after by other major cities. However, the Portuguese government has held on—and for good reason. The Berardo Museum was officially opened in June of 2007, and it is located within the Belem Cultural Center. At any given time, you will find about 250 pieces of modern art on display. However, the entire collection is said to have 4,000.

5. MuDe – Design and Fashion Museum

You won’t find the typical paintings or sculptures here. However, the MuDe – Design and Fashion Museum is one of the world’s leading museums of 20^th-century design. Hailed by many as the best in Europe, the collection here consists of pieces by 230 designers. It includes 1,000 design objects and at least 1,200 couture pieces! Highlights include the famous Jean Desses gown that Renee Zellweger wore to the 2001 Oscars, Christian Dior’s 1947 New Look, and other masterpieces by Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Paul Gaultier, Henning Koppel, Charles Eames and Phillipe Starck. The museum is located within the Belem Cultural Center, in the heart of Lisbon.