10 Things to Do in Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian) Lisbon Portugal
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian) is a Portuguese cultural institution founded in 1956. Located in Lisbon, Portugal, the foundation is dedicated to promoting the arts, sciences, and education. It also runs a museum, library, and several other cultural entities. It is one of the largest private foundations in the world, with an endowment of over €7 billion.
The foundation is named after its founder, Calouste Gulbenkian, who was an Armenian oil tycoon and philanthropist. Gulbenkian was a passionate collector of art and culture, and he wanted to share his collection with the world. The foundation was created to do just that.
Visiting the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon is a great way to experience the culture of Portugal. Here are 10 things to do in the foundation:
1. Visit the Museum: The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is one of the most important museums in Lisbon. It houses a large collection of art from all over the world, including pieces from Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The museum also displays a variety of modern and contemporary art.
2. Tour the Library: The Gulbenkian Library is one of the largest private libraries in Portugal. It contains over 1 million books and manuscripts, as well as a large collection of maps, photographs, and other documents.
3. Attend a Concert: The foundation hosts a variety of concerts throughout the year. These concerts feature both classical and contemporary music, as well as dance and theater performances.
4. Take a Tour: The foundation offers guided tours of the museum and library. These tours are a great way to learn more about the foundation and its history.
5. Visit the Garden: The foundation’s garden is a beautiful spot to relax and explore. It contains a variety of plants and trees, as well as sculptures and fountains.
6. Enjoy the Café: The foundation’s café is a great place to grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee. It serves a variety of Portuguese dishes and snacks.
7. Attend a Lecture: The foundation hosts lectures throughout the year. These lectures cover a variety of topics, from art history to economics.
8. Explore the Bookstore: The foundation’s bookstore is a great place to find books about the foundation and its history. It also sells souvenirs and other items.
9. Visit the Chapel: The foundation’s chapel is a beautiful place to visit. It contains a variety of religious artifacts, as well as a collection of paintings and sculptures.
10. Take a Film Class: The foundation offers film classes throughout the year. These classes are a great way to learn more about the world of film.
Visiting the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon is a great way to experience the culture of Portugal. From the museum and library to the café and chapel, there is something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for something to do in Lisbon, be sure to check out the foundation.