Puppet Museum

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The museum occupies the Convento das Bernardas, which survived the 1755 Lisbon earthquake but required extensive rebuilding.

2. 2

   It houses a notable collection of Wayang Kulit shadow puppets from Java, Indonesia.

3. 3

   The museum displays puppets from the São Lourenço collection, which focuses on non-European traditions including African and Asian masks.

4. 4

   The 'Dom Roberto' tradition is a UNESCO-recognized element of Portuguese intangible cultural heritage.

5. 5

   The building's rehabilitation was led by architect João Maria Ventura Trindade.

Overview

The Museu da Marioneta is housed within the historic Convento das Bernardas, a former 18th-century convent in Lisbon's Madragoa district. It is the only museum in Portugal dedicated exclusively to the history and preservation of puppet art. The collection spans global traditions, featuring significant holdings of masks and puppets from Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Vietnam. Visitors can explore the evolution of Portuguese puppetry, including traditional 'dom roberto' glove puppets. The permanent exhibition displays hundreds of pieces crafted from wood, cloth, paper, and metal. The museum serves as a cultural research center that promotes the art of animated forms through temporary exhibitions and workshops. The building itself reflects post-1755 earthquake architecture, having undergone significant restoration to house the collection. It operates as a public-private partnership managed by the Museu da Marioneta Association.

Insider tips

• Explore the temporary exhibition rooms on the upper floors, which often feature contemporary artists.

• Visit the interior courtyard for a quiet, shaded break away from the city noise.

• Take time to read the placards detailing the specific mechanics and construction materials of the different puppet types.