Museum of the Orient

The Museu do Oriente in Lisbon, overlooking the banks of the Tagus River, is a cultural beacon that illuminates the long and complex history of relations between Portugal and Asia. Inaugurated in 2008, the museum is housed in a building from the 1940s, once the headquarters of a cod fishing company, now transformed into a modern and dynamic exhibition space. This museum represents not only a place of exhibition, but a meeting point between diverse cultures, reflecting Portugal’s historical vocation as a nation of navigators and explorers. The origin of the museum is closely linked to the Oriente Foundation, established in 1988 with the aim of promoting knowledge of Asian cultures in Portugal. This mission stems from the legacy of Portuguese maritime explorations of the 15th and 16th centuries, when navigators like Vasco da Gama opened new routes to Asia, establishing commercial and cultural contacts that would change the course of history. The museum, therefore, is not just a place of preservation, but also a symbol of intercultural dialogue. The collections of the Museu do Oriente span five floors, hosting both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The permanent collection is divided into two main sections: the Asian collection and the Portuguese-Oriental collection. The Asian collection includes a wide range of objects from different Asian cultures, including China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. Among the most notable pieces are religious statues, ceramics, textiles, musical instruments, and theatrical masks, each telling a unique story of exchanges and mutual influences. An emblematic example is represented by the statues of Buddha and Hindu deities, which not only illustrate the craftsmanship of Asian artists, but also reflect the importance of spirituality in the daily life of these cultures. Through their intricate decorations and symbolism, these objects offer a deep insight into the religious and philosophical beliefs that have shaped the history of Asia. The Portuguese-Oriental collection, on the other hand, highlights the encounter between Portugal and Asia, exploring how these interactions have influenced both cultures. Among the objects on display are ancient maps, historical documents, navigation instruments, porcelain, and lacquerware, which testify to trade and mutual artistic influences. Particularly fascinating are the “Indianas,” painted and printed cotton fabrics from India for the Portuguese market, and Chinese porcelain from the Ming and Qing periods, highly appreciated by the Portuguese elite. The Museu do Oriente is also a place of innovation and interactivity. The exhibitions are designed to be engaging, using advanced technologies such as touch screens and multimedia projections to make the visit an immersive experience. This approach allows visitors to explore in depth the historical and cultural contexts of the objects on display, fostering a more complete and nuanced understanding of the interactions between Portugal and Asia. The museum’s restaurant, located in a panoramic spot overlooking the Tagus, offers a gastronomic experience that seamlessly integrates with the cultural visit. Here, visitors can taste dishes inspired by Asian and Portuguese cuisines, creating an additional bridge between the two cultures.