Art Lover's Guide to Lisbon: Museums to Murals
- This Cafe Life
- Jul 7
- 13 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Lisbon is a city where art spills into every corner - painted across tiled façades, layered on alley walls, and glowing from the halls of world-class museums. From centuries-old masterpieces to bold contemporary installations and some of Europe’s most vibrant street art, the city’s creative energy is impossible to ignore. Whether you’re wandering through the galleries of Chiado, snapping photos of giant animal sculptures in Alcântara, or admiring intricate azulejos in a hidden courtyard, Lisbon offers a rich, ever-evolving canvas that tells the story of its past, present, and playful spirit.
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Top Lisbon Museums for Art & Culture Lovers
Resistance & Freedom Museum (Museu do Aljube) (Alfama) - One of Lisbon’s most powerful (and underrated) museums. It’s tucked just behind the Sé Cathedral, and from the outside, it looks pretty unassuming - but inside, it tells a gripping, emotional story about Portugal’s not-so-distant past under dictatorship. The building itself used to be a political prison, which adds a real weight to the experience. As you walk through, you learn about the Estado Novo regime, the censorship, the torture, and the people who resisted it. The exhibits are well done—some are interactive, many include personal stories, photographs, letters, and even reconstructed prison cells. It’s not a light stop, but it’s incredibly eye-opening and really helps you understand the Carnation Revolution and how Portugal got to where it is today. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of the freedoms people sometimes take for granted. Plus, it’s compact and well-organized—you can go through it in about an hour. If you’re exploring Alfama or visiting the cathedral, it’s an easy and meaningful detour. Definitely worth it if you like museums with a strong human story.
Carmo Archaeological Museum - Set inside the stunning ruins of the Carmo Convent, a memorable stop - mostly because the building itself is half the experience. Walk into this massive, roofless Gothic church, open to the sky, and it instantly feels dramatic and peaceful all at once. The convent was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake, and rather than fully rebuild it, Lisbon left it as-is - which turned it into a kind of time capsule. Inside, you’ll find the museum, which is small but filled with interesting things: tombs, medieval carvings, mummies from South America, and all kinds of artifacts that tell Lisbon’s long, layered story.
National Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea)(Chiado) - A great stop for modern and contemporary art. The vibe here is sleek and low-key. The museum focuses on Portuguese art from the 19th century to today, and you’ll see everything from romantic landscapes to bold contemporary installations. It’s not huge, which is actually nice - you can explore the whole place without feeling rushed or overloaded.
National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga) (Santos-o-Velho) - Housed in a 17th-century palace, this is an important art museum, housing an exceptional collection of Portuguese and European art spanning the Middle Ages to the early 19th century. Highlights include the iconic Panels of Saint Vincent, a complex and mysterious altarpiece considered a masterpiece of Portuguese art, as well as works by Hieronymus Bosch, Dürer, and Piero della Francesca. The museum also features exquisite collections of furniture, decorative arts, textiles, metalwork, and Asian and African art, much of it tied to Portugal’s maritime expansion. The layout is welcoming and manageable, offering both grand galleries and smaller, reflective rooms. A visit here isn’t complete without a stop at the museum’s terrace café, with panoramic views of the river.
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MAAT & Central Tejo(Belém) - The MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) and Central Tejo sit side by side in Belém, right along the river, and together they make for one of Lisbon’s most unique museum experiences. MAAT is the newer, flashier part - a sleek, low-profile building that almost looks like a spaceship or a wave. It’s all about contemporary art, design, and architecture, with rotating exhibitions that are often thought-provoking, sometimes strange, and always visually interesting. Even if you’re not into modern art, the building itself is worth the visit—especially if you walk on the roof for panoramic views over the Tagus. Next door is Central Tejo, the museum housed in Lisbon’s former power station. It’s industrial, retro, and super cool to walk through. Giant turbines, old boilers, and all kinds of vintage tech are still in place, and it does a great job of showing how Lisbon used to power itself. It’s surprisingly fun and hands-on - even kids love it. Together, these two spots strike a great balance between old and new, tech and art. Bonus: sunset here is gorgeous.
National Coach Museum (Museu Nacional dos Coches) (Belém) - One of Portugal’s most-visited museums, a fascinating journey through royal history, artistry, and engineering - essentially, a showcase of regal life on wheels. In a beautifully preserved 18th-century riding school since 1905, the museum houses an extraordinary collection of ornate horse-drawn coaches, berlins, sedan chairs, and carriages from the 17th to 19th centuries. Each piece is a work of art, once used by Portuguese royalty, European courts, and even the Pope. In 2015, a striking new pavilion designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha brought a modern edge to the experience, with airy exhibition spaces, public walkways, a museum square, and a sleek café. Highlights include the richly gilded coach of King João V, the ceremonial coach gifted by Pope Clement XI, and the 16th-century coach of Philip III of Spain - each telling a story of power, diplomacy, and baroque extravagance.
National Museum of Archaeology (Museu Nacional de Arqueologia) (Belém) - The Museum is small and full of pre-Roman, Roman, and Moorish artifacts, plus Egyptian pieces and some fascinating ancient jewelry. It’s a great way to see how Portugal fits into the wider story of Mediterranean and Iberian history. Currently closed - due to open in 2026.
Museum of São Roque (Museu do São Roque) (Bairro Alto) - Inside the Church of São Roque, is an amazing collection of religious art, relics, chalices, vestments, and ornate pieces that were once used in Jesuit ceremonies; the craftsmanship and detail are impressive, and it’s all displayed in a way that’s modern and easy to take in.
Júlio Pomar Atelier-Museum (Atelier-Museu Júlio Pomar) (Santos-o-Velho) - A low-key museum that feels more like stepping into an artist’s creative mind than a traditional gallery. It’s dedicated to Júlio Pomar, one of Portugal’s most influential modern artists, and the space itself has this relaxed, open feel where you want to take your time and explore. Pomar’s work is bold, colorful, and full of movement - he dabbled in everything from painting and sculpture to collage and drawing. The museum rotates its exhibits, often mixing his pieces with contemporary artists or thematic shows, so there’s always something fresh to see. It’s not a huge museum, which is part of the charm - you can see everything in about 30 - 45 minutes. And the vibe is creative without being stuffy, making it a perfect stop if you’re into modern art or just want a break from the big museums.
Medeiros & Almeida Museum (Museu Medeiros e Almeida) (Santo António) - A hidden gem - right near the hustle of Avenida da Liberdade, but once you step inside, it feels like a totally different world. The museum was once the private home of António Medeiros e Almeida, a wealthy collector with a serious eye for beautiful things, and now it’s packed with art, antiques, and decorative objects from all over the world. Elegant rooms with French furniture, Chinese porcelain, clocks, jewelry, paintings, and even a couple of classic cars. It's quiet and refined, but never boring - it feels more like visiting someone’s home than a museum. Definitely worth popping into for an hour or so.
Fado Museum (Museu do Fado) (Alfama) -
A place both intimate and soulful - like the music itself. It’s a small but beautifully curated tribute to Portugal’s most iconic musical tradition. Inside, you’ll find everything from old vinyl records and vintage photos to the gorgeous Portuguese guitars that define the genre. The museum does a great job blending history and emotion, telling the story of fado through interactive displays, original instruments, and recordings from legendary singers like Amália Rodrigues. The space feels more like a homage than a formal museum - it really pulls you into the world of the Lisbon working-class neighborhoods, where fado was born. There’s also a café and great gift shop,
National Museum of Natural History & Science (Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência) (Príncipe Real) - A fascinating, slightly old-school museum that’s perfect for curious minds of all ages. i's in a beautiful historical building that used to be part of the old Polytechnic School. Inside, there is a mix of natural history exhibits - think fossils, minerals, taxidermy animals - and more hands-on science displays. It has that classic “cabinet of curiosities” vibe, with rooms full of quirky and intriguing specimens. There’s also a planetarium, and rotating exhibitions often focus on themes like climate, biodiversity, and Portuguese scientific exploration. It’s not the flashiest museum in town, but that’s part of its charm. It feels smart, nostalgic, and quietly full of wonder - especially if you love old books, geology, or classic natural
Geological Museum (Museu Geológico) (Estrela) - Another underrated gem - especially if you’re into fossils, rocks, or that “Indiana Jones-meets-old-library” kind of vibe. It’s housed in a historic building inside the former Convento dos Paulistas, and definitely leans into that classic, scholarly museum feel. Established in 1859, it's the oldest geological museum in Portugal, with everything from prehistoric skeletons and ancient tools to meteorites and minerals found throughout the country. Some of the fossils date back hundreds of millions of years, and there’s even a full dinosaur skeleton - always a crowd-pleaser. There are wooden display cases, handwritten labels; feeling like you’ve stumbled back in time. It’s small, quiet, and super informative - perfect if you want something a little different from the big-name museums.
Museum of the Orient (Museu do Oriente) (Alcântara) - A unique and beautifully curated museum; especially if you're interested in Asia and Portugal’s long maritime connections. In a former warehouse on the waterfront the space itself is clean, modern, and a bit of a hidden gem. Inside, the museum explores the cultural and artistic connections between Portugal and Asia, especially during the Age of Discoveries. Expect to see everything from Chinese masks, Japanese screens, Indian textiles, and Buddhist statues to colonial-era objects and ethnographic collections from Timor, Macau, and beyond. The displays are elegant and thoughtfully arranged, mixing traditional pieces with modern design. One floor focuses on performing arts and puppetry - super colorful and fun - and another is more historical. It's an ideal stop if you’re looking for something more contemplative or off the typical tourist path.
National Theatre of Saint Charles (Teatro Nacional de São Carlos) (Chiado) - Constructed in 1793 and influenced by the magnificent theaters of Italy, this venue exudes elegance with its chandeliers, red velvet, and gilded boxes. It is the premier location for opera and classical music in the city. Even if you're not attending a performance, the building is worth visiting. You can join a guided tour to explore the interior or simply visit the square to enjoy the atmosphere - particularly in the evening when it is illuminated.
Underdogs Gallery (Alcântara) - A dynamic public-art platform and gallery that supports urban-inspired artists and hosts citywide initiatives and murals - great for street-focused creativity
Street Art in Lisbon
A City Canvas
Lisbon ranks among Europe’s street art capitals, with its walls, alleys, studios, and deserted buildings transformed into open-air galleries. What distinguishes the city's street art is its fusion of political commentary, cultural pride, and visual storytelling, layered over Lisbon’s already vibrant and textured architecture. Deteriorating walls, staircases, and abandoned buildings have become a canvas for both local and international artists, supported by public initiatives like Galeria de Arte Urbana (GAU) — the city’s official urban art program. From giant photorealistic portraits to abstract expressionism, graffiti tags to poetic typography, Lisbon’s art is stylistically diverse and ever-changing.
Noted Artists:
This Portuguese artist has been involved with urban environments since his graffiti beginnings in the early 2000s. His innovative carving technique, central to the "Scratching the Surface" series, debuted at the VSP show in Lisbon in 2007 and the Cans Festival in London in 2008. This method involves carving portraits into walls by removing layers of plaster and brick using tools such as drills, acids, chisels, and even explosives. By subtracting from the surface rather than adding to it, he transforms urban decay into powerful visual narratives.
Obey (Shepard Fairey)
A prominent American street artist and graphic designer renowned for his impactful and politically charged artworks. His contributions to Lisbon's street art scene are significant, with several notable murals that reflect both local history and global themes. He is the creator of the Obama “Hope” poster and has several iconic murals in Lisbon, including in Graça and Cais do Sodré.
Bordalo II
Born in Lisbon Bordalo II began his artistic journey influenced by his grandfather, painter Real Bordalo. He started experimenting with graffiti at the age of 11 and later studied painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Lisbon. However, he found his true calling in creating large-scale installations from urban waste, aiming to highlight the impact of human activity on the environment. Known for his colorful 3D animal sculptures made from trash (“Trash Animals”) that highlight environmental issues. Find them in Beato, LX Factory, and near Alfama.
Add Fuel (Diogo Machado)
This Portuguese artist has gained worldwide recognition for his creative reimagining of traditional Portuguese azulejos. After studying graphic design, he redirected his attention to the classical tile style blended with modern urban art, frequently integrating aspects from video games, comics, and pop culture. His works are both familiar and futuristic.
±MaisMenos± (Miguel Januário)
Renowned for his provocative street art that challenges societal norms and critiques contemporary issues, his work often employs stark black-and-white color schemes and minimalist typography to convey powerful messages about capitalism, consumerism, and social inequality.
Tamara Alves
Her evocative street art explores themes of instinct, sensuality, and the human experience. Her work often features dreamy, sensual figures paired with poetry.
Gonzalo Borondo
Spanish street artist known for his expressive murals that explore themes of identity and human vulnerability, he has made a significant mark on Lisbon's urban art scene. His most notable contributions are two murals titled "Rivers 1" and "Rivers 2", created during the MURO Urban Art Festival in 2016.
PichiAvo
Juan Antonio (Pichi) and Álvaro (Avo) are a famous street art team from Valencia, Spain. Since 2007, they've become well-known worldwide for their unique blend of classical art and modern graffiti. Their art often showcases Greco-Roman mythological figures styled like Renaissance sculptures, mixed with bright graffiti elements, creating a lively conversation between ancient and modern urban culture. In Lisbon, you can check out their amazing mural, Poseidon Facing the Tagus River, near the Santa Apolónia train station.
A Portugal native, Eime's murals can be found across Portugal and internationally, often featured in street art festivals and exhibitions, characterized by large-scale murals featuring expressive human faces rendered through detailed stencils and brushwork. He combines elements of dripping paint and geometric patterns to create a dynamic interplay between the figurative and the abstract. His work continues to captivate audiences by merging technical precision with profound emotional depth.
Latino 89
A prominent figure in Lisbon's street art scene, recognized for his vibrant and thought-provoking graffiti. His work is prominently featured on the Amoreiras Wall of Fame
Eduardo Kobra
A renowned Brazilian street artist celebrated for his vibrant, large-scale murals that blend photorealistic portraits with kaleidoscopic patterns. He has created over 3,000 murals across five continents. His works often pay homage to historical figures and aim to make art accessible to the public by transforming urban spaces into open-air galleries
The Caver
A well-known Portuguese street artist recognized for his striking, geometric murals that combine vivid colors with mysterious symbolism. Born in Lisbon, he started his artistic career with classic graffiti. Over time, his art has developed into expansive murals that enhance urban settings throughout Portugal and around the world.
Cix
A Mexican street artist affiliated with the Mugre Crew, known for his vibrant, cartoon-inspired murals that draw heavily from pre-Hispanic Mexican culture. His work often features fluorescent colors and stylized characters, creating a distinctive aesthetic that bridges traditional motifs with contemporary street art.
Francisco Rodrigues da Silva (Nunco)
A prominent Brazilian street artist celebrated for his vivid murals that intertwine indigenous Brazilian heritage with contemporary urban themes. His distinctive style, characterized by intricate linework reminiscent of antique etchings, has garnered international acclaim.
Best Neighborhoods for Street Art in Lisbon
Graça
Staircases and walls around Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Escadinhas Damasceno Monteiro
Vhils' Carved Portrait of Amália Rodrigues.
Mário Belém's 'Better to be lost here somewhere than on my way to nowhere'.
'Sophia' by Daniel Eime: A tribute to Portuguese poet Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen.
Shepard Fairey’s “Peace Guard”
Fuel’s Azulejo-Inspired Murals
Mouraria
Fado Vadio Mural
Shepard Fairey Murals
Chão do Loureiro parking garage - been transformed into a vertical gallery, featuring works by Vhils, Miguel Januário, ±MaisMenos±, and Nomen.
Andrea Tarli's Mural
Selfie" Mural - A satirical piece with an elderly woman spray-painting over a person taking a selfie.
Bairro Alto
Home to Lisbon’s “urban art gallery” — a legal graffiti space along the steep Ascensor da Glória
Constantly changing art, from wildstyle graffiti to protest murals
Travessa dos Fiéis de Deus: A collaborative mural by Portuguese artists RIGO & António Alves.
Calçada da Glória – Outdoor Street Art Gallery
Rua da Vinha. Rua da Atalaia & Rua Diário de Notícias
Ephemeral Museum (Museu Efémero)
Cais do Sodré
Trendy zone with edgy stencils and huge murals tucked behind cafés and bars
Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho)
Cais do Sodré Metro Station.
LX Factory
Art and culture hub full of murals, posters, stickers, and installations constantly evolving.
Nearly every surface is decorated
Alfama
Mural of São Vicente:
Eduardo Kobra’s Murals
Hidden murals on doors, staircases, and tucked-away alleyways.
Alvalade
"Faces in the Blue Wall"
Marvila
This industrial area has massive warehouse murals, artist-run spaces, and Lisbon’s best graffiti walls.
Bairro Marquês de Abrantes & Alfinetes: - several significant murals, by Kobra, The Caver, and Cix.
Quinta do Chalé - features works by artists like Gleo and Kramer.
Rua da Fábrica de Material de Guerra
Rua do Vale Formoso de Cima: NUNCA's impactful mural "O Pedinte" can be found.
Mi Madre by Cix portrays the Aztec goddess Coatlicue.
Eduardo Kobra work depicting indigenous leader Raoni Metuktire.
Gleo's mural, inspired by her cousin Ana.
"Amizade Autêntica" (Authentic Friendship) by Lisbon artist The Caver.
O Pedinte" ("The Beggar") by NUNCA
Okuda San Miguel's "Jungle King"
Chiado
Brazilian artist Utopia63 pays homage to literary icons and cultural heritage.
Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo - Picturesque street features the iconic Elevador da Bica funicular and is adorned with colorful street art along its route.
Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara: As you approach the miradouro, observe the walls decorated with various street art pieces, reflecting Lisbon's vibrant urban culture.
Amoreiras
Amoreiras Wall of Fame (Arte Urbana) – one of Lisbon's oldest and most significant street art sites.
Quinta do Mocho
Over 90 large-scale murals by international artists, a substantial collection.
Príncipe Real
Galeria de Arte Urbana (GAU) on Calçada da Glória, an open-air gallery showcases a rotating collection of street art pieces.
Rua de São Marçal featuring various pieces.
Additional Street Art Resources
Planning your Lisbon stay?
Our handpicked hotels, boutiques, and charming neighborhood finds - Where to Stay Guide.
Utilize our specially designed museum map for convenience - Lisbon Museum Map
Need a listing of highlights to plan your stay? - Lisbon Churches
We take a deep dive into the Lisbon culinary scene here - Lisbon - Where to Dine
Explore other districts here: Baixa, Alfama, Graça, Cais do Sodré, Principe Real, Chiado, & Bairro Alto
Final Thoughts
Lisbon isn’t a place to rush through - it’s a city to feel. It’s for long walks, lingering dinners, spontaneous music, and unexpected views. Whether you’re here for the history, the food, the people, or the mood, Lisbon invites you to slow down and stay a while. Whether you're visiting for a week or a weekend getaway, with family, friends or a solo traveler, there's something for everyone.
Because once you’ve been, it’s hard not to fall in love.
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