10 Things to Do at the National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) in Lisbon, Portugal
Situated in the heart of Lisbon, the National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) is a must-see for anyone visiting the Portuguese capital. This museum is dedicated to the history and art of Portuguese tiles, or azulejos, and is home to a fascinating collection of tile work from the 16th century to the present day. Here are 10 things to do at the National Tile Museum in Lisbon.
1. Admire the Museum's Exterior
The exterior of the museum is just as impressive as its interior, with its intricate tile designs and bright colors. The facade of the building is decorated with an impressive tile mural depicting the history of Portuguese tile work, from the Middle Ages to the present day.
2. Explore the Permanent Exhibitions
The museum's permanent exhibitions include a variety of tile art from the 16th century to the present day. The collection includes decorative tiles, religious tiles, and tiles from different regions of Portugal. Visitors can also explore the museum's tile library, which houses a variety of books and documents related to the history of Portuguese tiles.
3. Visit the Temporary Exhibitions
The museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions are often dedicated to a particular artist or theme, such as the recent exhibition on the work of contemporary Portuguese tile artist Rui Mota.
4. Take a Guided Tour
The museum offers guided tours of its permanent and temporary exhibitions. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide insight into the history and art of Portuguese tiles.
5. Watch a Documentary
The museum also hosts a variety of documentaries about the history of Portuguese tiles. These documentaries are shown in the museum's auditorium and provide an interesting and informative look at the art of Portuguese tiles.
6. Attend a Lecture
The museum also hosts a variety of lectures and seminars on the history and art of Portuguese tiles. These lectures are often given by experts in the field and provide an in-depth look at the history and art of Portuguese tiles.
7. Shop at the Gift Shop
The museum has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and mementos of their visit. The gift shop sells a variety of items, including books, postcards, and tiles.
8. Enjoy a Meal at the Café
The museum also has a café where visitors can enjoy a light meal or snack. The café serves a variety of Portuguese dishes, as well as a selection of cakes and pastries.
9. Take a Walk in the Garden
The museum also has a garden where visitors can take a leisurely stroll. The garden features a variety of plants and trees, as well as a fountain and a pond.
10. Visit the Tile Workshop
The museum's tile workshop offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the traditional techniques used to create Portuguese tiles. Visitors can watch demonstrations of tile-making and even try their hand at creating their own tiles.