The National Museum of Contemporary Art

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The museum was founded in 1911 to fill the gap left by the National Museum of Ancient Art, which focused on works predating the mid-19th century.

2. 2

   The building was historically part of the Convent of St. Francis, which suffered significant damage during the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755.

3. 3

   MNAC maintains a specific focus on the evolution of Portuguese identity through the lens of changing aesthetic movements.

4. 4

   The institution houses the 'Sala dos Mestres', dedicated to the most prominent Portuguese painters of the late 19th century.

5. 5

   The library and archive contain extensive documentation on the development of Modernism in Portugal.

Overview

The National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC) in Lisbon specializes in Portuguese art spanning from 1850 to the present day. Located in the Chiado district, the museum is housed within the former convent of St. Francis of the City. Its collection provides a chronological overview of Portuguese artistic movements including Romanticism, Naturalism, Modernism, and contemporary trends. Key figures represented in the permanent collection include Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, and Almada Negreiros. The museum underwent a major expansion in 1994 led by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, which integrated modern exhibition spaces with historical architecture. Visitors can explore a diverse array of media, including sculpture, photography, and multimedia installations. The facility also functions as a center for research and conservation of 19th and 20th-century national art.

Insider tips

• Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Chiado neighborhood, known for its historic bookstores and cafes.

• Check the museum's official website for temporary exhibitions, as these often occupy significant portions of the gallery space.

• Utilize the museum’s courtyard, which often provides a quiet reprieve from the busy city center.