National Museum of Ancient Art (NMAA)

Overview

The National Museum of Ancient Art (NMAA) in Lisbon houses a vast collection of Portuguese and European art from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century. It is one of the most important art museums in Portugal.

The NMAA is significant for its extensive collection of artworks that showcase the history and cultural heritage of Portugal and Europe.

Art Museum Historical Museum

Location

Address

Rua das Janelas Verdes, Lapa, Lisbon

Neighborhood: Lapa

Coordinates

38.711200, -9.218200

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

10 EUR

Children

free (under 12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, more pleasant weather

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1.5 hours

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

half to full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• flowers in the surrounding gardens
• spring exhibitions

summer

hot

• extended opening hours
• outdoor exhibitions

autumn

cool to mild

• fall colors in the gardens
• autumn exhibitions

winter

cold

• holiday decorations
• winter exhibitions

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Bring a valid ID
Check the weather forecast
Wear comfortable shoes

What to Bring

essential

ID printed or digital tickets water bottle

seasonal

jacket in spring/autumn, umbrella in autumn/winter hat and sunglasses in summer

not allowed

large bags or backpacks tripods (without permission) food and drinks (except water)

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate (some walking and stairs)

• stairs in some areas
• large crowds during peak season

Medical facilities: first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

credit/debit cards, cash (Euros)

Currency

Euro

Typical Costs

entry 10 EUR (adults)

parking 5 EUR

food 10-15 EUR

souvenirs 5-30 EUR

Dress Code

casual, respectful attire, comfortable shoes for walking, walking shoes or sneakers, inappropriate or revealing clothing, heavy or noisy shoes

Booking Tips

• at least 1 week in advance, especially during peak season
• official website
• 48 hours in advance for a full refund
• available for online bookings

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

Size: 45 MB

Features: interactive map, audio guide, tickets, events calendar, information about artworks

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Café, Some exhibition areas

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Café

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon Airport)

Distance: 7 km

Travel Time: 20-30 minutes

taxi

15-20 EUR 20-30 min

public_transport

1.50-5 EUR 30-40 min

From City Center

Distance: 3-5 km

tram

3 EUR 15-20 min

bus

2 EUR 15-20 min

taxi

10-15 EUR 10-15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: The NMAA is a treasure trove of Portuguese and European art, showcasing the rich history and culture of the region. Locals appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with their heritage.

Historical Significance: The NMAA is housed in the Palácio Alvor, a historic palace that dates back to the 17th century. The museum's collection includes artworks from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century, providing a comprehensive overview of European art history.

Insider Tips

The museum offers free entry on Sundays for EU citizens
The café inside the museum serves delicious Portuguese pastries
The best views of the palace and gardens can be found from the terrace
The museum's shop sells unique souvenirs and art books

Local Recommendations

• Try pastéis de nata (custard tarts) at a nearby café
• Visit the nearby Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
• Take a guided tour to learn about the history and artworks
• Explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Olá

thank_you Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)

where_is Onde está

how_much Quanto custa

beautiful Bonito (masculine) / Bonita (feminine)

ticket Bilhete

Guide Languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance with the palace in the background

Best Time: Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon)

Tips: Capture the symmetry of the entrance and the palace

Result: Stunning photos with beautiful lighting and historic backdrop

#NMAA #Lisbon #PortugueseArt #MuseumLovers #TravelPortugal

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, some indoor areas (check for restrictions)

prohibited areas special exhibitions (check for restrictions), areas under maintenance

flash photography not allowed in most indoor areas

commercial photography permit needed for commercial use

drone policy prohibited without prior authorization

tripod policy restricted (only with prior permission)

selfie sticks allowed but use discretion to not disturb others

Nearby Attractions

Palácio Nacional da Ajuda

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Historical Site

Jardim da Estrela

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Park

Museu Nacional do Azulejo

Distance: 1.5km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Museum

Alcântara

Distance: 2km

Walking: 30 min

Type: Historical Neighborhood

Reviews

4.5

Based on 10,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book tickets online in advance"
"Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds"
"Don't miss the palace and gardens"
"Check for special exhibitions and events"
"Wear comfortable shoes for walking"

Contact Information

+351 213 912 837

mnac.dgpatrimonio@dgpm.pt

https://www.mnac.dgpc.pt

Social Media

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