NewsMuseum

NewsMuseum (Museu das Notícias) is a museum devoted to news, media and communication, set in the historic centre of Sintra, Portugal. It opened in the first minutes of 25 April 2016, at an event attended by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The project drew its inspiration from the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Its coordinates are roughly 38.796436 N, 9.389932 W.

What kind of museum is it?

This is a modern, multimedia museum rather than a traditional gallery of display cases. It traces how the media have changed, from the press to radio and television and on to the digital age. The exhibition looks at the last hundred years in Portugal and around the world through the news people were receiving. Touch screens, video and hands-on stations carry most of the experience.

What will you see?

The museum spreads over three floors and around 25 themed areas. Frequently mentioned highlights include:

• Sports Arena – interactive screens and footage of memorable moments in Portuguese sport.
• TV studio – step in front of the camera and try presenting the news yourself.
• Fake news zone – a challenge to tell fact from misinformation.
• Revolution Studio – the story of radio's role in the 1974 Carnation Revolution.
• Lounge – a room with a 67 m² touch screen, among the largest in the world.

Visitors can follow a personalised route, and the content, amounting to many hours of video and other formats, is offered in Portuguese and English.

Who is it for?

Families with children and teenagers will find plenty to do, since so much is interactive. It also suits anyone curious about twentieth-century Portuguese history, journalism and media literacy. The fake news section is relevant to anyone who uses the internet daily.

Where is it and how do you plan a visit?

The museum stands in central Sintra, in the building that once housed the Toy Museum. It is within walking distance of the old town's main sights, so it combines easily with a day of palaces and hills. Allow around two hours to see every area at a relaxed pace. Check current opening hours and ticket prices on the museum's website or with Sintra's tourist office before you go.

Frequently asked questions

When did NewsMuseum open? In the first minutes of 25 April 2016.

What inspired the museum? The Newseum in Washington, D.C.

Which languages are available? Portuguese and English.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, the interactive stations and TV studio engage younger visitors too.

How many floors does it have? Three, with about 25 themed areas.