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Lisbon: Gulbenkian Museum + Centro de Arte Moderna Ticket
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The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is a Lisbon site that few people know about but is a must-visit for the priceless works it holds. Opened in 1969 and managed by the Foundation of the same name, the Museum grew out of the private collection of Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian. Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian (1869-1955) was an English entrepreneur of Armenian origin active in the oil industry but was above all a great art collector. Arriving in Portugal in 1942 during World War II, Gulbenkian had valuable works with him, some of which were sent by the entrepreneur to the National Gallery of Art in Washington for safekeeping and exhibition there.
Gulbenkian was one of the richest men of the 20th century, and in 40 years he collected nearly 6,000 works, creating one of the finest private art collections in the world, ranging from Egyptian to Islamic art, Renaissance to Impressionist painting. When he died in 1955, Gulbenkian had requested as a bequest in his will that the works he collected be displayed in a cultural center, and so in 1956 the Foundation bearing his name was created. The museum opened in the late 1960s but was later restored in 2001.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum houses a truly extensive collection of works ranging from ancient art (Egyptian, Greek and Roman) to Islamic art, from Asian art creations (Chinese and Japanese) to European Renaissance painting. One room is devoted to Impressionist painting (Monet, Manet, Renoir), while another to the collection of jewelry and objects by René Lalique (1860 -1945). These are joined by works from the Flemish, Dutch, French, English and Italian schools from the 16th to the 19th century. On the lower floor, however, there is a Gallery for Temporary Exhibitions.
The tour route runs through different sections in chronological and geographical order. A first part is on display in the Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Mesopotamian, Eastern Islamic, Armenian, and Far Eastern Galleries. In this area, in addition to an outstanding collection of Greek coins, special vases and other objects from the Roman period are also on display. As for the East, on the other hand, porcelain and semiprecious stones from China, lacquerware and prints originating from Japan are housed here. In the Middle East and Islamic art section, a fine collection of objects and manuscripts from Ancient Persia, Turkey, Syria, and other Central Asian states can be admired.
A second section showcases European art from the early 11th century to the mid-20th century. Here the tour begins with ivory works and medieval manuscripts, followed by sculptures and paintings from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. This is followed by Italian Renaissance art, decorative arts, and then a group of paintings by Venetian painter Francesco Guardi (1712-1793). The tour continues with paintings of different schools made by European artists ranging from the 18th to the 20th century.
One room in particular delves into Impressionist painting with works by great artists such as Monet, Manet, Renoir, Degas, and many others. Finally, there is the jewelry collection designed by René Lalique, a famous French goldsmith who also worked for Cartier. Separately, there are areas devoted to sculpture (mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries), Renaissance tapestry (Italian and Flemish), and French furniture (Louis XV and Louis XVI periods).
The building that houses the Gulbenkian Museum was built by a team composed of architects Ruy Jervis d’Athouguia, Pedro Cid, and Alberto Pessoa who won a competition held in 1959. The building was to be “a perpetual tribute to the memory of Calouste Gulbenkian, with the lines reflecting the essential characteristics of his character: spiritual concentration, creative energy and simplicity in life.”
The site chosen to house the collection was from the beginning the Parque de Santa Gertrudes in Palhavã, and a large number of specialists worked on the construction of the building. Externally, the museum looks like a sturdy rectangular parallelepiped constructed of concrete and granite. Inside, however, in addition to the museum site there is a small auditorium, the museum store, a cafeteria, and the Art Library.
Following Portuguese architectural trends of the 1960s, the complex was built around two gardens with high windows that allow visitors to enjoy both the art and nature outside. In 2001 the museum underwent major renovations and modernization, and at that time many of its masterpieces were transferred and exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The cost of tickets to access the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is as follows:
If you want to plan your vacation, buy your ticket online for the Gulbenkian Museum: you will be guaranteed entry on the appointed day, avoiding all the waiting.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Tuesdays, which are closed. Last admission is allowed at 5:30 pm.
The Museum is also closed on the following holidays: January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, December 24 and 25.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is located near Praça de Espanha, within a 7.5-hectare garden. The ways to reach the site are: car or public transportation. Those arriving by car can park at Parque Berna or Praça de Espanha.
Those traveling by subway can reach the Museum via the Blue Line (São Sebastião or Praça de Espanha stops) and Red Line (São Sebastião stop).
By bus you can take the Carris lines 716, 726, 756 (Av. de Berna), 746 (Av. António Augusto de Aguiar) and 713, 742 (Rua Marquês de Fronteira).
Finally, it is important to mention that the Entrecampos train station is also located about a 15-minute walk from the Foundation.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is located within the Parque Santa Gertrudes not too far from the Eduardo VII Park. The site is approximately 3 km from downtown Lisbon.
City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.
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