Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Modern Collection

It is a must see when in Lisbon

Really lovely manageable fine arts museum in Lisbon. Less hectic makes more enjoyment! This museum has a really nice feel. Rather than the overwhelming anxiety one might feel in the Musee D’Orsay walking bot like through room after room of mind numbing impressionist masterpieces; that experience reminding you of the desperation you felt to find the exit at the IKEA store after you foolishly went to the 3rd floor for the pancakes and lingonberries. Worry not! the Gulbenkian is in a modern, one story building, not an old train station. And the space flows with semi private rooms featuring groupings of exquisite representational pieces of a particular place, time and type of object. Mr Gulbenkian collected a wide array of art, and rather than specializing on a particular era or medium, his collection features a few examples of exceptional quality. From Middle Eastern garments, to Chinese porcelain, to Rodin sculptures to mideval Madonna and Child portraits, it is very easy to move around the museum to focus on those works that you’re most interested in. The openness of the space helps one feel less claustrophobic. There’s also a beautiful picnicking area outside, and the architecture of the museum building itself is impressive. As I’ve said, I believe the Gulbenkian Fine Arts Museum, a gift to Lisbon from an Armenian Immigrant, is the “leading fine arts museum You’ve never heard of.” Well, now you have. Go see it.

The gallery is set in beautiful, tranquil gardens. A cool and peaceful oasis in the heat and noise of Lisbon. Turtles, carp and ducks swim in ornamental ponds that thread through bamboos, tropical ferns and trees. The collection is wonderful, a trip through the finest examples of European, oriental and Egyptian art. The Rembrandt's are worth the trip alone.

The gardens, buildings and exhibitions are great. I loved the peacefulness and quietness of every environment they created there. It's a gift to be able to wander around and seeing everything so well cared for. My only complaint is that I'd like to see more information regarding the items displayed, and also some more maps to help the visitors.

CLOSED Have visited before but seems to be closed till 2022 for renovations 5 STARS FOR Previous visit