Chiado Museum

The National Museum of Contemporary Art – Chiado Museum, located in the heart of Lisbon, is one of the most important cultural institutions in Portugal. Founded in 1911, the museum is housed in the former Convent of São Francisco da Cidade, a medieval building that was severely damaged by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. This historical context gives the museum a special charm, blending the ancient and the modern in a continuous dialogue. The museum, also known as MNAC, is dedicated to Portuguese art from 1850 to the present day, offering a comprehensive overview of artistic developments from Romanticism to Naturalism, to modernist and contemporary currents. The permanent collection includes works by prominent artists such as Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, Almada Negreiros, and many others. These artists have significantly contributed to defining Portugal’s cultural identity through their innovative and often provocative works. A crucial event in the museum’s recent history was the devastating fire in 1988, which destroyed much of the Chiado area. Thanks to a major restructuring project led by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the museum was renovated and expanded, reopening its doors in 1994. This intervention not only restored the building but also improved the exhibition spaces, making MNAC a cutting-edge venue for contemporary art. An intriguing aspect of the museum is its role as a space for dialogue and inclusion. MNAC’s initiatives are aimed at a diverse audience and seek to promote active participation and critical reflection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, the museum launched the online lecture series “Conversas Sobre o Retrato” and the drawing course “O Fungagá das Artes”, reaching thousands of families and receiving recognition for its commitment to education and cultural mediation. The museum is located in the historic district of Chiado, one of the most vibrant and fascinating areas of Lisbon, known for its cafes, bookstores, and theaters. This strategic location makes MNAC easily accessible and places it in a dynamic cultural context where tradition and modernity meet.