Lisbon Modern Art: 3 Museums You Shouldn’t Miss
Maat Museum
Lisbon is a city of contrasts: historic streets alongside daring architecture, fado echoing while new generations reinvent culture. That same energy is reflected in its art scene, where contemporary museums have become essential stops for anyone wanting to experience Lisbon today.
1. Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian
Part of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, this museum is dedicated to Portuguese and international art from the 20th century onward. Exhibitions move from modernism to more experimental works, always in dialogue with the foundation’s world-class classical collection. The building, designed by architects Ruy Jervis d’Athouguia, Pedro Cid and Alberto Pessoa, is itself a modernist landmark, harmoniously integrated with its surrounding gardens.
Open from 10:00 – 18:00, Saturday, 10:00 – 21:00. Closed on Tuesday. Check their page for more information: https://gulbenkian.pt/cam/en/
Tip: Do not miss the café inside the museum — a bright, welcoming space where you can enjoy a light meal or coffee overlooking the gardens. And if you have more time, explore the rest of the Gulbenkian Foundation, including its main museum and the serene park that feels like a secret forest in the middle of the city.
2. MAC/CCB — Museum of Contemporary Art at the Belém Cultural Center
Located on the Lisbon waterfront, the Centro Cultural de Belém is a cultural landmark designed by Italian architect Vittorio Gregotti and Portuguese architect Manuel Salgado. Its monumental architecture reflects modernist inspiration and Mediterranean light, creating a striking backdrop for art.
The museum houses part of the Berardo Collection, one of the most significant modern and contemporary art collections in Portugal. Alongside international icons such as Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, and Gerhard Richter, the museum places strong emphasis on Portuguese artists including Paula Rego, Helena Almeida, and Julião Sarmento. This dialogue between global and national perspectives makes it an essential stop for anyone curious about Portugal’s role in the international art scene.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:30 pm (last entry at 6 pm) | Closed on Monday. Check their page for more information: https://www.ccb.pt/en/macccb/
Tip: After your visit, explore Belém — from the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém to the original pastel de nata bakery just around the corner.
3. MAAT — Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
One of Lisbon’s most striking contemporary buildings, MAAT was designed by British architect Amanda Levete and her firm AL_A. Its organic, wave-like shape is inspired by the Tagus River and the movement of water, making the museum itself a piece of art. Beyond its architecture, MAAT offers bold exhibitions that mix art, design, and technology, often creating immersive, multi-sensory experiences.
Open Wednesday to Monday 10.00 → 19.00 Closed on Tuesdays. Check their page for more information: https://www.maat.pt/en
Tip: Go in the late afternoon and head to the rooftop. Watching the sunset over the river and the 25 de Abril Bridge is one of Lisbon’s most beautiful sights.
From modernist icons to futuristic landmarks, Lisbon’s museums of contemporary art are more than places to see exhibitions — they are experiences where architecture, culture, and the city itself come together.