Culture
Museu do Oriente
Lisbon | Portugal
1
Go just for the experience
3
WoWs
2 hours
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Self-Explore X Fernwayer
The Museu do Oriente in Lisbon, inaugurated in 2008, is a testament to Portugal's historical maritime connections with Asia. Housed in a transformed bacalhau warehouse along the Tagus river, the museum showcases the profound cultural exchanges between Portugal and the Asian continent. Why we recommend visiting:
1 - The museum's two main collections encapsulate the essence of this cultural fusion. The first collection highlights the Portuguese presence in Asia with over a thousand pieces, including rare Namban art, Chinese and Japanese folding screens, and an extensive porcelain collection. The second, the Kwok On Collection, features over 13,000 pieces related to Asian performing arts, extending from Turkey to Japan, with a special focus on Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Eastern spiritual traditions.
2 - The museum's location, in a former bacalhau factory dating back to 1940, speaks to its unique architectural design. Transformed with a €30-million investment, the museum now boasts a striking exterior and an interior that seamlessly integrates the building's original industrial features with modern museum spaces.
3 - Among the notable exhibits are intricate Japanese Noh masks, Chinese opera puppets, an extensive array of Asian masks, and shadow and puppet theatres from India, China, and Indonesia. These pieces not only represent artistic beauty but also convey the rich storytelling traditions of their respective cultures.
4 - The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions that delve into specific aspects of Asian art and history, further enriching visitors' understanding of these diverse cultures.
5 - The top-floor restaurant offers a panoramic view of the Tagus river, serving a mix of Asian and Portuguese cuisines.
Photo by Museu do Oriente
February 2024