Museu das Comunicações in Lisbon

Museu das Comunicações (the Communications Museum) is a technology museum in Lisbon devoted to the history of communication, with a particular focus on Portugal. It opened on 6 October 1997 and works to promote the study, conservation and dissemination of the country's historical, scientific and technological communications heritage.

What is in the collection?

The museum's holdings are organised into three collections: postal, telecommunications, and art and philately. The artefacts range from the 16th century to the present day. A highlight for collectors is the stamp collection, which covers Portugal and almost all member countries of the Universal Postal Union (UPU).

The collections draw on the holdings of three institutions: the national regulator ANACOM (Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações), the postal service CTT Correios de Portugal, and the telecoms operator Altice Portugal.

Which permanent exhibitions can you visit?

There are three permanent exhibitions:

• "Vencer a Distância – Cinco Séculos de Comunicações em Portugal" ("Overcoming Distance – Five Centuries of Communications in Portugal"), tracing how communication developed across five centuries,
• "Casa do Futuro na Cloud" ("House of the Future in the Cloud"), about living in a smart city,
• "Mala-posta", dedicated to the mail coach.

Who is it for?

Fans of technology history, stamp collectors and curious travellers will find plenty here. It shows how messages travelled, from the era of mail coaches to smart-city living. It also makes a calm addition to a Lisbon itinerary, handy on a day with unsettled weather.

Opening hours and contact

According to OpenStreetMap, the museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00 and on Saturday from 14:00 to 18:00. It is closed on public holidays. Phone: +351 213 935 000. Check current hours and ticket prices before you go, as they can change.

Frequently asked questions

When did the museum open? On 6 October 1997.

Is it open on Sundays and Mondays? Based on available data, no: the hours cover Tuesday to Friday plus Saturday afternoon.

What collections can I see? Postal, telecommunications, and art and philately, with items from the 16th century onwards.

Are there stamps from other countries? Yes. The philatelic collection includes stamps from Portugal and almost all UPU member countries.

How long should I plan for a visit? With three permanent exhibitions, allow at least an hour or two.