Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±

Lisbon, Portugal - December 4, 2022: National Museum of Ancient Art, Portuguese national art museum.
1473948696
antiga, arte, mnaa, building, capital, culture, de, europa, european, exterior, famous, heritage, historic, historical, landmark, lisboa, museu, nacional, national, portuguese, traditional, unesco, view

© iStock

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

Top choice in Lisbon


Set in a lemon-fronted, 17th-century palace, the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is Lapa’s biggest draw. It presents a star-studded collection of European and Asian paintings and decorative arts.

Keep an eye out for highlights such as Nuno Gonçalves’ naturalistic Panels of St Vincent, ¶Ùü°ù±ð°ù’s St Jerome and Lucas Cranach’s haunting ³§²¹±ô´Ç³¾Ã©, as well as period furniture pieces like King Afonso V's ceremonial 1470s armchair and an elaborate lacquered wood, silver-gilt and bronze late-16th-century casket.

Other gems include golden wonder the Monstrance of Belém, a souvenir from Vasco da Gama’s second voyage, and 16th-century Japanese screens depicting the arrival of the Namban (southern barbarians) – namely big-nosed Portuguese explorers.

Biannual temporary themed exhibitions (priced separately, at around €6) are reached via a second entrance on Rua das Janelas Verdes, as are the stone-arched cafe and wonderfully peaceful gardens with river views.


Contact

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby Lisbon attractions

2. Museu da Marioneta

0.42 MILES

Discover your inner child at the surprisingly enchanting Museu da Marioneta, a veritable Geppetto’s workshop housed in the 17th-century Convento das…

3. Museu do Oriente

0.49 MILES

The beautifully designed Museu do Oriente highlights Portugal’s ties with Asia, from colonial baby steps in Macau to ancestor worship. The cavernous…

4. Lavadouro das Francesinhas

0.53 MILES

Most folks walk right past one of Lisbon's only surviving public laundromats – there's no sign other than 'CML' inscripted across the doorframe – and this…

5. Basílica da Estrela

0.6 MILES

The curvaceous, sugar-white dome and twin belfries of Basílica da Estrela are visible from afar. The echoing interior is awash with pink-and-black marble,…

6. Palácio da Assembleia da República

0.71 MILES

The columned, temple-like Palácio da Assembleia da República (Palácio de São Bento) is where Portugal’s parliament, the Assembleia da República, makes its…

7. Jardim da Estrela

0.71 MILES

Seeking green respite? Opposite the Basílica da Estrela, this 1852 green space is perfect for a stroll, with paths weaving past pine, monkey-puzzle and…

8. Cemitério dos Prazeres

0.77 MILES

Most visitors come to this cemetery, the largest in Lisbon, for the view of the Rio Tejo right next to the artists' plot. But the elaborate baroque family…