Museum of the Orient — Attraction in Lisbon

The Museum of the Orient, one of the most fascinating museums to visit in Lisbon, hosts a wonderful permanent collection and temporary exhibitions related to Eastern culture. The museum's permanent collection consists of two parts. The first part focuses on Portugal's presence in Asia. While admiring these exquisite pieces, you also get to see concrete examples of colonialism, which unfortunately reflect Portugal's current perspective. For instance, some explanations may seem ridiculous, like they claim that there were no wardrobe in India before the Portuguese.

The other part of the permanent collection focuses on the performing arts of Eastern culture. Founded by a Chinese banker named Kwok On, this collection, comprising 600 objects at its inception, now includes over 15,000 items, ranging from musical instruments to puppets, costumes, paintings, prints, sculptures, and ritual objects from Turkey to Japan.

During our visit, some of the temporary exhibitions were also quite fascinating. The temporary exhibition titled "Japan: Festivities and Rites," which will run throughout 2024, was one of the best exhibitions I've seen. Exploring the exhibition "Treasures in the Palm of the Hand," featuring a collection of snuff bottles, and examining the great art in tiny objects was also enjoyable.

The Foundation Oriente, which operates the museum, utilizes a building dating back to the 1940s. The museum building works, which started in 1993, were completed in 15 years, and the museum was opened in 2008. I generally liked the use and presentation of the museum building. They showcase modern museum practices, and considering its establishment date, I believe it could be one of the pioneering examples in...

This is a museum with a singular focus and an incredible amount of depth which includes an impressive collection of articles originating from former Portuguese colonies and trading posts in the east. The building has an interesting history, being a repurposed port structure dating back to the 1940s. I would highly recommend a visit as the collections are world-class and represent an opportunity to explore a unique cultural interaction. In addition to the permanent collections there guest exhibitions, included in the entrance fee.

The first of the two permanent collections relates to the Portuguese impact on Asia, which includes fascinating pieces such as an extensive collection of porcelain made in China that are facsimiles of Western designs, as well as items of historic and cultural significance.

The second collection relates to performing arts in the East and provides a detailed look into Chinese, Japanese and other classical arts across time including Communist opera and dance. Completely unique and, as I understand it, unlike any other in the world.

In terms of access, it is possible to access by car or on foot from central Lisbon or Alcantara-Mar station; however this can feel a little dicey getting across the Avenida Brasilia.

In conclusion this is very much worth a visit for a bit of change up and well worth...

I came to the museum as it was free from Friday 6pm to 8pm, and they have the tapestry from the temple near my grandparents old house in Macau. The permanent collection is okay, not sure if it will worth the €6 entrance fee. The fan exhibition is also alright. However, it made both of us uncomfortable when the staff there were very rude to us. I got lost on the fourth floor by the elevator and attracted by the Macau room because Macau is my birthplace; however the guard saw me and expelled me in quite a rude manner and told me to go back to the first and second floor. I understand that they might not speak very good English, but I don’t feel welcome in the space. My companion was resting at the lobby and she didn’t get the ticket (even thought if was free during the hours) because she was exhausted. The couch at the lobby was quite crowded and she back hurt sitting on the seat ao she had to sit on the floor next to the couch to stretch a bit. I understand it might not be very ideal, but another guard came and threatened to expel her from the property if she continued the behaviour.

To be honest, won’t recommend it but give three stars for the...