National Museum of Ancient Art (NMAA)

The Basics

The National Museum of Ancient Art’s collection comprises more than 40,000 items including oil paintings, sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts along with other artifacts. Highlights of the collection include Nuno Gonçalves’ Panels of St. Vincent, a unique “group portrait” depicting important members of the Portuguese court in the 15th century. Another must-see work is a portrait of St. Jerome by Dürer, painted in the early 16th century.

NMAA is a popular stop along hop-on hop-off bus or tram tours of the city.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The National Museum of Ancient Art(NMAA) is ideal for art lovers, especially those interested in Portuguese and European painting and sculpture from the 13th to 18th centuries.

• You can book guided tours with museum staff in advance.

• Discounts are available for senior citizens and students, and entry is free on the first Sunday of each month.

• There’s a great view of the river from the square adjacent to the museum.

• The museum is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The ancient art museum is on the edge of downtown Lisbon. Public transportation makes getting there easy: Take tram 15E, 18E, or 25E, or bus 713, 714, 727, 728, 732, or 760.

When to Get There

The museum is open 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday year-round, with a few holiday closures. Most visitors spend around two hours exploring the exhibits. The museum makes a nice spot to cool off on hot summer days.

Take a Stroll in Jardim da Estrela

The Star Garden (Jardim da Estrela) is a charming park in Lisbon with walking paths, pools, and shaded benches. There’s a café serving coffee and light snacks, and a children’s playground too. It’s popular with locals but is also great for visitors in need of a break from museums and city sightseeing.

Ways to explore

Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the museum’s vast permanent collection, which includes more than 40,000 paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and jewelry. Tickets grant full access to the museum’s four floors of exhibitions.

A few of the works to seek out include Panels of St. Vincent by Nuno Gonçalves, the Temptations of St. Anthony by Bosch, and Saint Jerome by Dürer. You can download a map of the galleries from the museum’s website, and book guided group tours as well.

Accessibility

The museum is accessible for wheelchair users, with elevators throughout, but some areas may be restricted; contact the museum to check before your visit.

Age limits

None; discounted child and family tickets are available, and admission is free for kids under 13.

What to pack

Your ticket or e-ticket, photo ID (if you’re eligible for reduced-rate tickets), camera

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, light layers (the museum is climate-controlled), a small handbag

Not allowed

Large bags, backpacks, umbrellas, bottles or liquid containers

Amenities

Restaurant, coat check, lockers, restrooms, free Wi-Fi

Address

The National Museum of Ancient Art is located along R. das Janelas Verdes, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) west of Lisbon’s historic center. It’s easy to reach by public transit.

Driving

Given the city’s maze of narrow one-way streets and limited parking, driving in Lisbon is best left to the taxi drivers. Opt for a taxi or rideshare service instead.

Public transportation

Take tram 15E or 18E to Cais Rocha (Museu Nac. Arte Antiga), about a 10-minute walk from the museum, or Tram 25E to Santos, about a 7-minute walk. Buses 728, 732, and 760 also stop close to the museum.

Best times to visit

The museum is open from 10am to 6pm, and the quietest time to visit is usually in the morning, right after opening. In the summer, the museum makes a nice spot to cool off during the midday heat.

Best days to visit

Like many of Lisbon’s museums, the National Museum of Ancient Art is closed on Mondays as well as most public holidays. Visit from Tuesday to Thursday to avoid the crowds.

Best months to visit

For a full experience of the setting, the restaurant terrace overlooking the river is particularly nice from spring through early fall.

Special events

The museum offers free entry, guided tours, and special performances for International Museum Day each May 18.