Lisbon Story Centre

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The museum is situated in the exact location where the Paço da Ribeira (Royal Palace) stood before it was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake and tsunami.

2. 2

   The 1755 earthquake simulation room uses floor-to-ceiling projections to replicate the tremors and the ensuing fire.

3. 3

   The exhibit design is strictly chronological, preventing visitors from skipping historical eras to ensure a linear narrative flow.

4. 4

   The centre uses an automated audio guide system that triggers commentary based on the visitor's location within the room.

Overview

The Lisbon Story Centre is an immersive museum located in the historic Praça do Comércio that chronicles the evolution of Lisbon through multimedia technology. Visitors follow a sequential path through six distinct zones, starting from the city's mythological origins and proceeding through major historical milestones. A primary exhibit focuses on the 1755 earthquake, using a panoramic cinematic experience to depict the catastrophe and subsequent reconstruction. The museum utilizes audio guides to provide narrative context as guests progress through the interactive displays. Exhibits cover the Age of Discovery, the Pombaline period, and the city's modern identity. It is housed within a renovated 18th-century building on the site of the former Royal Palace. The facility emphasizes sensory storytelling over static artifact collection.

Insider tips

• Use the interactive audio guide system, which is included in the entry, to fully grasp the historical context of each exhibit zone.

• Plan to spend the majority of your time in the 1755 earthquake simulation room, as it is the emotional and technical centerpiece of the tour.