National Museum of Ethnology

The National Museum of Ethnology (Museu Nacional de Etnologia) is Lisbon's museum devoted to the cultures of the wider world and to Portugal's own traditional heritage. It stands in the Restelo district on the western side of the city, on Avenida da Ilha da Madeira, not far from Belém. Many visitors pass through this area on their way to the riverside monuments, and the museum makes a quieter alternative to the better-known sights.

What can you see here?

The museum looks after more than 40,000 objects from Africa, Asia and South America. A separate collection covers Portuguese folk art and other forms of the country's ethnographic heritage. These are among the most important ethnographic holdings in Portugal, which makes the museum appealing to anyone curious about anthropology, or about how Portugal has connected with other parts of the world over time.

The permanent exhibition is organised into seven thematic sections. Rather than presenting objects only as decorative pieces, it places them in the context of everyday life, ritual and the work of the people who made and used them.

Guided visits to the reserves

A distinctive feature is the guided visits to accessible museum reserves, including the Rural Life Gallery and the Amazon Gallery. These tours give a look at part of the collection that is not normally shown in the main exhibition rooms. Check the museum's website before your trip to see when such tours are offered.

A short history

The institution was created in 1965. It was first inaugurated as the Museu de Etnologia do Ultramar, or Overseas Ethnology Museum, and it is closely linked to the Portuguese ethnologist Jorge Dias, who began work on the project in 1947. Since 1976 the museum has had its own building in Restelo. In 2000 architect Eduardo Trigo de Sousa designed an extension that added a new library and media centre, two more reserve areas and gardens around the building.

Practical information

• Address: Avenida da Ilha da Madeira, 1400-203 Lisbon.
• On site: a bookshop, a library, a cafe and a restaurant, so it is easy to spend a few hours here.
• Opening hours: according to available information, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, on Tuesday afternoons and from 10:00 to 18:00 on the other days. Hours can change, so confirm them before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the National Museum of Ethnology in Lisbon? In the Restelo district, on Avenida da Ilha da Madeira, in the western part of the city.

What does the collection include? More than 40,000 objects from Africa, Asia and South America, plus a separate collection of Portuguese folk art.

Can you visit the reserves? Yes, the museum offers guided visits, including to the Rural Life Gallery and the Amazon Gallery.

Is there a cafe at the museum? Yes, there is a cafe and a restaurant, along with a bookshop and a library.

When was the museum founded? In 1965, and it has had its own building in Restelo since 1976.