Fado Museum

Fado Museum (Museu do Fado) in Lisbon is devoted to fado, Portugal's urban song tradition, and to the Portuguese guitar. It stands in Alfama, one of the capital's oldest districts, at Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 1, and opened on 25 September 1998.

What is the Fado Museum and what will you see?

The museum follows the story of fado from its early nineteenth-century beginnings to today's performers. The permanent exhibition leads visitors along a multimedia route. It brings together instruments, including Portuguese guitars, stage costumes, photographs, posters, recordings and hundreds of performer biographies. The collection counts more than 14,000 items linked to the genre, from printed music and publications to documents, instruments and outfits.

There are also temporary exhibitions, a documentation centre and an auditorium that hosts events and concerts. Audioguides are available in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.

What is the history of the building?

The museum occupies a former pumping station that helped supply Lisbon with water. Construction began in 1868, and two steam engines were installed to drive the pumps. The building kept that role until 1938, then served as a workshop. After the Carnation Revolution of 1974 it was occupied by the Portuguese Communist Party. In 2008 the museum was thoroughly renovated, and the permanent exhibition also began to show artworks by artists inspired by fado.

Why does fado matter?

Fado is a symbol of Portuguese culture. In 2011 UNESCO inscribed it on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Portuguese guitar is closely tied to the genre, and the museum gives it plenty of attention alongside the singers and musicians.

Planning your visit

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00, with last admission at 17:30. It is closed on Mondays and on 1 January, 1 May, and 24, 25 and 31 December. Check the official website for current hours before you go.

Alfama rewards wandering, so the museum pairs well with a stroll through its narrow streets. The coordinates are roughly 38.711 N, 9.128 W.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Fado Museum? In the Alfama district of Lisbon, at Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 1.

When did it open? On 25 September 1998.

Is it open on Mondays? No. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00.

Are audioguides available? Yes, in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.

How large is the collection? More than 14,000 items related to fado.