About this place
The Statue of Calouste Gulbenkian in Lisbon stands in the grounds of the Gulbenkian Foundation, in the Avenidas Novas district, honouring the man behind one of Portugal's leading cultural institutions. It sits inside a park that now carries the patron's name.
Who was Calouste Gulbenkian, and why a statue?
Gulbenkian, an art collector and oil-industry businessman, died in Lisbon on 20 July 1955. His will directed his fortune towards a foundation in Portugal, which grew into a museum, library, concert halls and galleries. The statue is a tribute to that legacy.
Who made it, and when was it unveiled?
The sculptor was Leopoldo de Almeida. The Foundation's own digital garden archive records the inauguration in 1965, during events marking ten years since the founder's death. The work combines stone and bronze elements that were hoisted and set in place separately. At the ceremony, Azeredo Perdigão announced that the garden would take the name Calouste Gulbenkian Park.
What else is nearby?
The statue stands in a garden designed by landscape architects Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles and António Viana Barreto, which opened in 1969. Lawns, ponds and shaded paths make it a pleasant stroll. Next door you will find the Gulbenkian Museum, with its ancient, European and Oriental art, and the Modern Art Centre. Temporary contemporary sculptures are also shown in the grounds from time to time.
How do you get there?
The statue is at roughly 38.7373 N, 9.1558 W. The easiest route is the metro to São Sebastião or Praça de Espanha, followed by a short walk to the Foundation. It is a quick ride from the centre of Lisbon and well served by buses.
When should you visit?
Come during the day in good weather. Spring and early autumn show the greenery at its best, while summer tree cover offers relief from the heat. Pair the statue with a museum visit to learn more about the man it commemorates.
Frequently asked questions
Who sculpted the Gulbenkian statue in Lisbon? Leopoldo de Almeida.
When was it unveiled? In 1965, on the tenth anniversary of Calouste Gulbenkian's death, when the park was also named after him.
Where exactly is it? In the garden of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, close to the museum and the Modern Art Centre.
What is it made of? Stone and bronze.
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