National Museum of Ancient Art

Art museum · Madragoa

National Museum of Ancient Art

Art museum · Madragoa

R. das Janelas Verdes, 1249-017 Lisboa, Portugal

Highlights

Nestled in a chic 17th-century palace, this Lisbon museum boasts a stunning collection of European art and artifacts, complemented by a beautiful garden café.

R. das Janelas Verdes, 1249-017 Lisboa, Portugal Get directions

museudearteantiga.pt

@mnaa_lisboa

@cntraveler

"Treasures abound at the National Museum of Ancient Art, where paintings, sculptures, furniture, ceramics, textiles, gold, and silverware capture Portugal’s riveting history from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. If you can make peace with the fact that you won’t see the museum in its entirety, forge ahead with a visit. Do leave time for the Panels of St. Vincent, a 15th-century sextet of paintings by Nuno Gonçalves; the 16th-century ivory salt cellar that survived its journey from the West Coast of Africa to Portugal; and Albrecht Dürer’s portrait of St. Jerome." - Alia Akkam

10 Best Museums in Lisbon | Condé Nast Traveler

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@cntraveler

"So, what's this place all about? Treasures abound at the National Museum of Ancient Art, where paintings, sculptures, furniture, ceramics, textiles, gold, and silverware capture Portugal’s riveting history from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. Sounds fascinating. What's on the highlight reel? The expansive collection features numerous take-another-look gems like the gilded Belém Monstrance, brought back from India by Vasco da Gama; Hieronymus Bosch’s haunting triptych “Temptations of St. Anthony,” charting his turbulent path to salvation; and the bejeweled reliquary of Queen Leonor, originally intended to house the relic from Christ’s Crown of Thorns. Wow—we'll be sure to check it all out. Does the museum host exhibits, too? What kinds? Temporary exhibitions covering themes like forbidden art and Portuguese portraiture help focus the daunting collection. Spend time reveling in the building, a late-17th-century Lapa palace with baroque doorways. Got it. Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it? It's definitely worth a browse. Cool. What's the café like, if there is one? It's a low-key restaurant adorned with stone and a terrace overlooking the Tagus river. Might be worth a stop! Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? If you can make peace with the fact that you won’t see the museum in its entirety, forge ahead with a visit. Do leave time for the Panels of St. Vincent, a 15th-century sextet of paintings by Nuno Gonçalves; the 16th-century ivory salt cellar that survived its journey from the West Coast of Africa to Portugal; and Albrecht Dürer’s portrait of St. Jerome. The alfresco sculptures are also serene beauties." - Alia Akkam

National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga), Lisbon, Portugal - Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

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Vergílio Tonelo

Google

It's a great surprise for those who are not familiar with art environment. The building is amazing, beautiful architecture and very well organised. You can see different halls, from portuguese painting, European painting, pottery, jewellery, etc. Only to see the painting of Bosch it's worthy the visit. Insane painting.

Eleanor Grace

Google

Stepping into the National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisboa feels like stepping into a living time capsule. The walls here truly speak to you, telling stories of centuries past through breathtaking artwork and opulent decor. From intricate chandeliers that whisper of grand eras to paintings that capture the very soul of their subjects, every detail invites you to immerse yourself in history. The collection is nothing short of spectacular, with masterpieces that span different styles, periods, and cultures. Whether it’s the mesmerizing portraits that seem to gaze into your soul, the detailed religious works that evoke awe, or the stunning decorative pieces, the museum offers an unparalleled journey through art and time. The atmosphere is serene, and the beautifully preserved interiors make it easy to get lost in the grandeur. It’s more than a museum—it’s an experience that allows you to feel the heartbeat of history. This is an absolute must-visit for art enthusiasts, history lovers, or anyone who appreciates the beauty of cultural heritage. If you’re in Lisbon, don’t miss the chance to let the walls of this extraordinary museum speak to you!

Kevin Aguiar

Google

The best museum in Lisbon city. If you have a residence card in Portugal, you can enter for free.

Aroh Barjatya

Google

It's a fine museum. Just very very Christian faith based. I would have thought they would have more than just Christian based images and sculptures. Oh well... Still, time well spent. Takes about an hour to two, depending on how much you read and study each display.

Khrystyna Chushak

Google

This is a very traditional museum, meaning I couldn't take my empty water bottle inside, a regular almost empty shopper bag was a no no either. A person selling tickets helped us out with a token for lockers ('cause there was no way to change paper money for coins). Exhibits are described quite straightforwardly - a dish, a chest, a statue ))) Very little context. One Bosch, one Breugel, one Cranach, one Holbein etc... There's a nice garden and a cafe/restaurant (?) w. self-service, but moderate prices. This was a good stopover in-between. Also, look for a dog from the latest Deadpool on the 16th century painting 🙃

Ekaterina Kotlyar (canofwormsru)

Google

A lovely museum in Lisbon housed in a beautiful building with a wonderful garden, perfect for sitting outside and enjoying a meal with a view. The art collection is beautifully curated, not overwhelming in size, making it easy to explore in one visit. Entry is €10 for foreigners, and well worth it for the experience.

Allen Irish

Google

Under-appreciated museum with some amazing artwork, including a major Hieronymus Bosch altarpiece.

Guillermo Musumeci

Google

Fantastic museum full of great antiques most of them related to Portugal empire and their colonies. Phenomenal collection of jewelry, furniture, pottery, sculpture and art works from several European countries. They have a really nice garden where we can sit and have coffee or lunch with superb view of river. Recommend!!

Chris S.

Yelp

The museum (€6) is small and not to my taste, but the garden cafe is quite nice and very reasonable. We got two desserts, fresh pineapple, an espresso and a latte for just €8.60 ... HOOAH! The garden overlooks the river and the port, but there's also a view of the bridge. They also have a selection of hot meals at fair prices. CombatCritic Gives The Whole Kaboodle 6 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

Vlad V.

Yelp

The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is one of the leading, if not the best, museum in Lisbon. The museum houses a wide variety of art ranging from Portuguese art to European art, Asian art, African art, and much more. Since it's a large museum, I used my guide book, as well as the museum brochure, to visit the highlights. I'm a big fan of European art so this is where I spent the most time. My favorite piece of art was a large painting by Bosch. They also have a nice gift shop where you guessed it, I bought a Bosch figurine.

Sean M.

Yelp

I spent three hours wondering through this beautiful museum. The artwork alone is beautiful but there is so much more. I loved the furniture, the china, textiles and silver exhibits. A bargain at 10 Euros. Very highly recommended Slainte

Alex M.

Yelp

I don't know what it's like inside because the dour old lady at the front desk wouldn't let us in with our complimentary hotel tickets. The contemporary art museum let us in, but not the woman here. So, it ruined the museum for me. Plenty of other things to do that don't involve rude old women.

Rene C.

Yelp

My trip to Lisbon wasn't just about food and drink, and drink, and drink, and drink and more drink. I gots me some culture too! This museum is excellent....and no, I am not just saying that. It offers an opportunity to view and admire some of Portugal's most talented artists and beyond. The floor plan is nicely layer out and easy to navigate. It's not overly crowded (at least the day we were there), and offers the museum goer nice views of the exhibits. The cafe (located on the lower level) is a nice place to take a break and is situated by a nice tranquil garden that has spectacular views of the water and the city as it's backdrop.

Alice G.

Yelp

OH MY GOSH this was a boring old school museum , and I LOVE museums. If you are into antiquities, and love ebony and ivory, inlay and embroidery this is your place. Honestly for me, the best part of the museum was the exit and the view.....

Qype User (kyano…)

Yelp

Although this is a bit faraway from the centre of Lisboa it is situated in a pretty trendy neighborhood, Santos. You will find nearby venues totally different from this one, such as clubs, bars, discos, restaurants and fancy shops. This is a museum that glorifies ancient Portuguese art, the most famous piece that is on display is the Tryptic of King Henry, Portugal's greatest leader that allowed it to become the biggest nation in the World, it was because of this man that Portugal discovered most of the modern World. The museum is divided in paintings, sculpture and china. Its influences came from India, China, Japan, Africa and several other places. The museum is a bit old but has been slowly renovating itself and it still is a very pleasant place to go for a walk, the entrance fee is around 4EUR, which isn't a lot and it is quite a big museum, with a nice coffeeshop and a lovely garden with amazing views!

Christine G.

Yelp

Nice little museum in Lisbon. 12 Euro for 4 people (2 of which were student discounts). It has a good amount of art. When I think ancient in europe, I think more of pre 1000 AD, but there was a good amount from after that time frame. Good amount of paintings, but also a good collection of jewelry, silver/gold/platters, etc. when we went, there was also a chair exhibit, however, it was closed due to lack of workers or something. Go if you have a chance