The museum houses the 'Santa Cruz', the Fairey IIIB seaplane used by Gago Coutinho and Sacadura Cabral for the 1922 South Atlantic crossing.
The collection includes the original cabin of the royal yacht 'Amélia', commissioned by King Carlos I for oceanographic research.
The 18th-century royal barge was used to transport heads of state, including Queen Elizabeth II during her 1957 visit to Portugal.
The museum holds a large archive of portolan charts and early navigational maps essential to the era of global exploration.
The exhibition space extends into a modern pavilion specifically designed to house the larger ceremonial vessels.
It maintains one of the most comprehensive collections of maritime uniforms and medals in Southern Europe.
The Museu de Marinha is situated within the western wing of the Jerónimos Monastery, a 16th-century Manueline site. It preserves the maritime heritage of Portugal, focusing on the Age of Discovery and the evolution of the Portuguese Navy. The collection contains over 17,000 artifacts, including royal barges, historical navigation instruments, and scale models of ships. Key highlights include the actual 18th-century royal brigantine used by the Portuguese monarchy and the hydroplane that performed the first aerial crossing of the South Atlantic in 1922. The museum complex maintains a distinct architectural harmony with the adjacent monastery buildings. Displays cover naval warfare, scientific cartography, and daily life aboard historical vessels. It serves as an official cultural institution under the authority of the Portuguese Navy.
The central hall of the Royal Barges Pavilion, which provides a clear perspective of the ornate, life-sized ceremonial ships.
Prioritize the Royal Barges Pavilion, as it contains the most massive and visually striking artifacts in the collection.
Combine your visit with the Jerónimos Monastery, though note they often require separate ticket lines.
Look for the small plaques detailing the maritime expeditions of the 15th and 16th centuries to provide context for the navigation tools.
Do not mistake the nearby maritime monuments for the museum entrance; ensure you enter through the designated museum wing of the monastery.
Closed on Mondays.
Respectful attire is requested; avoid loud behavior in the exhibition halls.
