Design and Fashion Museum

The Museum of Design and Fashion (MUDE) in Lisbon is a hidden treasure in the heart of the city, a place where design and fashion come together to tell a unique and fascinating story. Inaugurated in 2009, MUDE is housed in the former building of the National Bank of Ultramar, an iconic structure dating back to the 1950s. The choice of this building is not random: it represents an example of modernist architecture that perfectly complements the idea of a museum dedicated to design and fashion. The museum houses one of the most important design collections in the world, thanks to the donation of collector Francisco Capelo, who made the creation of this unique space possible. The Capelo collection includes over 2,500 pieces ranging from furniture to everyday objects, high fashion, and accessories. Among the designers featured in the collection are illustrious names such as Charles and Ray Eames, Verner Panton, Philippe Starck, and many others, representing a journey through the main currents of 20th-century design. The exhibition path of MUDE is designed to be dynamic and interactive, with exhibitions that change periodically to offer visitors new experiences and perspectives. Each exhibition is curated with the intention of exploring specific themes of design and fashion, highlighting not only the objects on display but also the historical, social, and cultural context in which they were created. This approach allows for a full understanding of the impact of design on everyday life and its role as a mirror of society. A distinctive element of MUDE is the attention dedicated to fashion, with a collection that includes clothing and accessories from some of the world’s greatest designers. From Coco Chanel to Yves Saint Laurent, from Vivienne Westwood to Jean-Paul Gaultier, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of the stylistic evolutions that have marked the world of fashion from the post-war period to today. These pieces are not only expressions of creativity and talent, but also testimonies of the cultural and social changes that have influenced fashion trends. One of the most interesting anecdotes related to MUDE concerns the origin of the Capelo collection. Francisco Capelo, a Portuguese art collector, began collecting design pieces in the 1980s, driven by a passion for the aesthetics and functionality of everyday objects. His collection, initially private, soon became one of the most important in the world, attracting the attention of museums and international institutions. The decision to donate the collection to the city of Lisbon and create MUDE was driven by the desire to share this heritage with the public, transforming his personal passion into a collective asset.