MUSEU CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN
Based on the private collections of Calouste Gulbenkian, this museum features the Founder’s Collection, which spans over 4,000 years of art history, and is a part of the Gulbenkian Foundation. Internationally recognized for its quality, the museum is part of a complex that houses the headquarters of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, a concert hall and auditoria, an art library, and a park. The Foundation also features the Modern Collection, established after the death of Gulbenkian, which is housed in another building within the complex.
NEED TO KNOW
Avenida de Berna 45A • 217 823 000 • www.gulbenkian.pt/museu • Open 10am–6pm Wed–Mon. Closed Jan 1, Easter Sun, May 1, Dec 24, Dec 25 • Adm $12.50 (for both the Collections); 13–29 years and senior citizens $6; under 12 free; free on Sun after 2pm
- The Modern Collection—also part of the Gulbenkian Foundation—consists of contemporary Portuguese art, and stages frequent temporary exhibitions.
- There are good cafés at both of the Collections.
Museum Floor Plan
1. 3rd Dynasty Egyptian Bowl
Found in a tomb north of Thebes, this elegant alabaster bowl was modeled on an everyday ointment bowl. The ancient Egyptians adorned tombs with copies of everyday objects made from noble materials. This one is 4,000 years old.
2. Ancient Greek Vase
This 5th-century BCE wide-rimmed terra-cotta vase is decorated with mythological motifs: the abduction of Phoebe and Hilaira by Castor and Pollux, and a bacchanalian scene.
Ancient Greek Vase
3. St Catherine and St Joseph
Two paintings by the 15th-century Flemish master Rogier van der Weyden (1399–1464) are believed to be parts of an altarpiece; a third element is in London’s National Gallery. The female is thought to be Catherine of Alexandria.
St Catherine and St Joseph
4. Diana Statue
A graceful marble statue by the French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741–1828), dating from 1780, is unusual for the era in that it depicts the goddess in movement, and completely naked. It belonged to Catherine the Great of Russia and was exhibited at the Hermitage, where its nudity caused quite a scandal.
5. Lalique Collection
Gulbenkian was a close friend of the French Art Nouveau jeweler René Lalique and bought a great number of his graceful pieces, many on display in this part of the museum.
6. Oriental Islamic Art
This large gallery displays a wide-ranging collection of manuscripts, carpets, textiles, ceramics, and other objects from Turkey, Syria, the Caucasus (including Armenia), Persia, and India.
Oriental Islamic Art
7. Boy Blowing Bubbles
Édouard Manet’s (1832–83) 1867 painting is not just a version of the popular allegory on the transience of life and art, but a portrait of Léon-Édouard Koëlla, stepson of the artist.
Boy Blowing Bubbles
8. Yuan Dynasty Stem Cup
This blue-glazed piece, dating from an earlier period (beginning of the 14th century) than most of the Far Eastern collection, is decorated with delicate reliefs of Taoist figures under bamboo leaves.
9. Portrait of an Old Man
This engaging chiaroscuro portrait of a bearded man is an example of Rembrandt’s preoccupation with aging. The gaze is tired, and the large hands intricately lined. Nothing is known about the model.
10. Louis XV and XVI Furniture
Considered ostentatious by some, the 18th-century French pieces in the decorative art collection fascinate for their materials and craftsmanship. Highlights include a Louis XV chest inlaid with lacquer panels, gold leaf, mother-of-pearl, bronze, and ebony; and a table with a shelf that flips over to reveal a mirror.
Louis XV and XVI Furniture
THE SPOILS OF OIL
Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian was an Armenian who made his huge fortune by negotiating the transfer of assets between oil companies—each time earning a five percent commission. He came to Lisbon during World War II, staying at the Hotel Aviz until his death in 1955. His will stipulated that a foundation be set up in Portugal to look after his vast collection and to support the arts.
