Museum of Decorative Arts

Museum of Decorative Arts (37)

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HOTEL NEAR

It might not be one of Lisbon’s prime tourist attractions but lying behind the story of this museum is a deep love for Portuguese tradition.

The “Ricardo Espírito Santo Silva” Foundation gets its name from a renowned banker and art collector and is the organisation that funds this working museum. Its intention is to protect and define decorative art and the professions connected to it, seeing the genre as a part of the roots and traditions of Portuguese art.

The museum was founded in 1953 and housed in the “Azurara” Palace, an 18th century building restored in the style of an aristocratic residence of that period. You will greatly enjoy its painted wooden ceilings, tile panelling, 17th and 18th century tapestry, porcelain from China and civil furniture which make up one of the biggest collections in Europe.

Worth taking particular note of is an 18th century backgammon and chess board made of rosewood.

In addition, another of the most interesting things about the museum is being able to observe how work is carried out in the foundation’s workshops and explore the most practical area of the whole building.

Tapestry, silver, porcelain, ceramics, tiles and lace are perhaps some of the things you will think of buying while in Lisbon. The city is well-known for its craftwork and applied arts, and this small museum in the area of la Alfama tells a lot about the capital’s more traditional side.

ALL POINTS OF INTEREST

INFORMATION

Fado (1J)

Elevator Trams (1B)

History (1)

Lisbon Tiles (1A)

Play&Tour (0)

Trams (1L)

Cod (1K)

Viewing Points in Lisbon (1F)

ESSENTIAL

Bairro Alto District (27)

Estrela Basilica (14)

Monument to the Discoveries (9)

Restauradores Square (22)

Santa Justa Elevator Tram (31)

Sé Cathedral (36)

Belém Tower (5)

Freedom Avenue (21)

Nations Park (44)

Rossio Square (30A)

Santa María Church (4B)

The Cloister (4D)

Chiado (25)

History (4A)

Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha (34)

Rossio Train Station (30)

São Jorge Castle (38)

The Manuelin Portico (4C)

Comerço Square (33)

Jerónimos Monastery (4)

Oceanário Aquarium (45)

Rúa Augusta Street and Triumfo Arch (32)

São Vicente da Fora (40)

The Royal Palace of Necessities (11)

INTERESTING

25th of April Bridge (10)

Bicos House (35)

Church do Carmo (24)

Glória Elevator Tram (1D)

Manuelin Style (5A)

Nossa Senhora do Monte viewing point (1I)

Santo António à Sé Church (50)

The Ajuda National Palace (2)

Águas Livres Aqueduct (12)

Cais do Sodré Area (28)

Eduardo VII Park (19)

Lavra Elevator Tram (1E)

Maria II Theatre (30B)

Praça da Figueira Square (48)

São Carlos National Theatre (26)

The House of Alentejo (17)

Belém Cake (8)

Campo de Santa Clara Esplanade and Feira da Ladra Market (41)

Estrela Garden (15)

Madre de Deus Convent-Church (42)

Marquês da Fronteira Palace (47)

Praça do Príncipe Real Square (49)

São Pedro de Alcântara viewing point (1G)

The National Pantheon - Santa Engrácia Church (39)

Bica Elevator Tram (1C)

Cemetery dos Prazares (29)

Flower Park of Monsanto (18)

Mãe d’Água das Amoreiras (12A)

Marquis of Pombal Square (20)

Santa Luzia viewing point (1H)

São Roque Church (23)

MUSEUM

Archaeological Museum (24A)

National Car Museum (3)

The Roman Excavations (46)

Belém Cultural Centre (7)

National Museum of Historic Art (13)

Maritime Museum (6)

National Tile Museum (43)

Museum of Decorative Arts (37)

The Calouste Gulbenkian Fundation (16)