MUSEUM QUEST | Museum of the Presidency

This week's theme was the Museum of the Presidency of the Republic in Belem. Just like my article, the museum had two parts. A small exhibition, short of information and an incredible palace! History and amusing anecdotes got mixed with lots of beauty! I heard stories about the French invasion of Portugal and the assassination of …

MUSEUM QUEST | The Coach Museum – Part 2

After talking about the highlights of the collection and the controverse building of the National Coach Museum in Part 1 - A Clash of Styles it is time to explore Portuguese history. Assassinations and revolutions, earthquakes and royal weddings. This museum doesn't just have incredible carriages to show, but some amazing stories to tell. Oh, and did I …

MUSEUM QUEST | The Coach Museum – Part 1

What do Queen Elizabeth II, controversial architecture and Portuguese history have in common? Right! The National Coach Museum in Belem. Housed in a contemporary concrete building I found the most incredible coaches. No wonder this contrast fueled heated discussions around Lisbon! That aside, however, the museum was a place of awe while so closely linked …

MUSEUM QUEST | Museum of Theatre – Randomly mediocre

Far away from the tourist tracks, set in a beautiful park, quiet and lovely, I found the National Museum of Theatre and Dance. Some funny sculptures welcomed be outside. I couldn't place the anywhere but that didn't matter. My mood mood was great and I was eager to go inside and discover the museum. But …

MUSEUM QUEST | João de Deus – The educating Poet

Although he isn't known by many Portuguese, João de Deus had a huge influence on local culture. Not only did he innovate the teaching system back in the 19th century, but his poems became an influence to other Portuguese writers. Read the entire story about the João de Deus Museum on my blog and join …

MUSEUM QUEST |Santo Antonio – The Saint of Lisbon

Have you heard the name Santo Antonio before? If you lived in Lisbon for a while, there is no way you haven't! At least someone must have told you about the huge celebrations in June, that are held in his honor. So who was he and why do people celebrate him still today? From a …

MUSEUM QUEST |Sao Vicent de Fora – A new perspective

The Monastery Sao Vicente de Fora in Graca was yet another place that exceeded my expectations by far! Instead of an overload of religious information I got to see Lisbon from a different view. The actually stunning part of this place was the building itself. It's architecture and the view from the roof, of course! …

MUSEUM QUEST |Bordalo Pinheiro – Art, joy, culture and history

For everyone who loves art or wants to know more about Portuguese culture the Bordalo Pinheiro Museum is a must! I had a great time there with Diogo, just enjoying the playful style of Bordalo's ceramics and cartoons. Little did I know, that I would learn not only about Portuguese history but also so much …

MUSEUM QUEST | A delightful afternoon at the cemetery

It was a sunny afternoon when I rode my bike out to the neighbourhood of Prazeres to see the cemetery there. Yes, a cemetery! I was a bit confused myself when I first read about it. But it was listed as a museum so I had to go. And I didn't regret it! I learned …

MUSEUM QUEST | Asia and the Chinese Opera

Well, Museu do Oriente was probably one of the most difficult places to describe in words. Because it was not about words but about impressions! A great exhibition of young Chinese contemporary artists was mixed with artefacts about the cultural exchange between Portugal and the Far East and the Chinese opera. It was a huge …