10 Things to Do at the National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga) in Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal is home to one of the world’s most renowned and oldest museums of ancient art, the National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga). Established in 1884, the museum is the largest of its kind in Portugal and is home to an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Here are 10 things to do at the National Museum of Ancient Art when visiting Lisbon.
1. Explore the Collection of Portuguese Art
The National Museum of Ancient Art houses an extensive collection of Portuguese art from the 12th to the 19th century. Highlights include paintings by Portuguese masters such as Nuno Gonçalves and Francisco de Holanda, as well as sculptures by João de Ruão and Francisco de Matos.
2. View the Collection of European Art
The museum also houses an impressive collection of European art from the 15th to the 19th century. Highlights include works by Italian masters such as Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio, as well as Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer.
3. Admire the Collection of Oriental Art
The museum also houses an extensive collection of Oriental art from the 15th to the 19th century. Highlights include Chinese porcelain and Japanese screens, as well as Persian and Indian miniatures.
4. Visit the Library
The museum also houses a library with a collection of more than 20,000 books and manuscripts related to the history of art. The library is open to the public and is a great place to research and learn more about the museum’s collection.
5. Attend a Lecture or Workshop
The museum also offers a variety of lectures and workshops throughout the year. These events provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the museum’s collection and the history of art.
6. Explore the Temporary Exhibitions
The museum regularly hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions provide visitors with an opportunity to view works from the museum’s collection and from other collections around the world.
7. Take a Guided Tour
The museum offers guided tours of the permanent collection and the temporary exhibitions. These tours provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the museum’s collection and the history of art.
8. Visit the Gift Shop
The museum also houses a gift shop where visitors can purchase books, souvenirs, and other items related to the museum’s collection.
9. Enjoy a Meal at the Café
The museum also houses a café where visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack. The café offers a variety of light meals and drinks.
10. Take Part in a Museum Activity
The museum also hosts a variety of activities throughout the year. These activities provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the museum’s collection and the history of art.
The National Museum of Ancient Art is a must-see for anyone visiting Lisbon. With its impressive collection of art and artifacts and its variety of activities, the museum is sure to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.