National Museum of Ancient Art

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The museum building is constructed on the site of a 17th-century convent destroyed during the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

2. 2

   The collection includes the Monstrance of Belém, commissioned by King Manuel I and crafted from the first gold brought from Kilwa by Vasco da Gama.

3. 3

   The museum holds a significant collection of Namban art, documenting the cultural exchange between Japan and Portugal in the 16th century.

4. 4

   The 15th-century Panels of St. Vincent are considered the most important example of Portuguese painting of that period.

5. 5

   The interior retains original 17th-century architectural features including decorated ceilings and gilded woodwork.

6. 6

   The garden area houses the remains of the original convent cloisters.

Overview

The National Museum of Ancient Art, known locally as Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, holds the most significant public collection of art in Portugal, spanning from the 12th to the 19th century. It is housed in the 17th-century Palácio de Alvor-Pombal, which incorporates the chapel of the former Convent of Saint Albert. The collection features European, African, and Asian artifacts resulting from the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Among its most famous holdings is the 15th-century Panels of St. Vincent by Nuno Gonçalves. The museum also displays an extensive collection of gold and silver decorative arts. It preserves the 16th-century Flemish masterpiece, The Temptations of Saint Anthony by Hieronymus Bosch. The site features a terrace with river views that overlooks the Tagus estuary. The museum is a major repository for items classified as National Treasures of Portugal.

Insider tips

• Visit the museum terrace for a panoramic view of the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge.

• Focus on the decorative arts floor if you have limited time, as it contains rare colonial-era pieces.

• Check the museum's temporary exhibition calendar before visiting, as these often occupy significant gallery space.