Museu da Marioneta

Museu da Marioneta is Lisbon's puppet museum, set inside the former Bernardas convent in the Madragoa district. Since November 2001 it has occupied the building at Rua da Esperança 146, and it was the first museum in Portugal devoted entirely to the history of puppetry.

What kind of museum is it?

The museum traces puppetry around the world, showing different types of puppets and the techniques that bring them to life. The strongest emphasis is on Portuguese puppets. Its collection of traditional Portuguese figures is among the largest in the country, which makes it a good place to learn about the local puppet theatre tradition.

What can you see?

Alongside the puppets themselves you will find masks, posters, costumes, stage props and videos of puppets in action. Since 2008 the museum has also shown puppets from beyond Europe, mainly from Asia (including Burma, China, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam) and from Africa. This part comes from a collection donated by the puppetry enthusiast Francisco Capelo. It lets visitors compare how the art form developed in different parts of the world.

What about the building?

The museum occupies a seventeenth-century convent. After the 1755 earthquake the complex was rebuilt to designs by the architect Giacomo Azzolini. A visit therefore combines puppetry with a look at historic architecture away from the busiest tourist routes.

Is it good for children?

Yes. Visitors can try handling puppets on a real stage, which children tend to enjoy. The museum also runs guided tours and workshops for schools, as well as workshops for adults.

Where is it and how do you find it?

The address is Convento das Bernardas, Rua da Esperança 146, 1200-660 Lisbon. The surrounding Madragoa neighbourhood is one of the areas worth exploring during a stay in the city. The coordinates are roughly 38.708 N, 9.156 W. Check opening hours and ticket prices on the museum's official website before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Since when has the museum been in its current location? Since November 2001, in the Convento das Bernardas.

Will I only see Portuguese puppets? No. They are the main focus, but since 2008 puppets from Asia and Africa are on show too.

Is it interesting for children? Yes, guests can try puppets on a real stage, and workshops are offered for schools.

Who donated the collection of non-European puppets? Francisco Capelo, a puppetry enthusiast.

How long does a visit take? That depends on your interests. If you want to see every section, the videos and the props, set aside an unhurried part of the day.