Are you wondering which museums to visit in Lisbon? If you love modern art, appreciate contemporary architecture, enjoy beautiful gardens, and care about sustainable causes, then the Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian is the perfect choice for you! This museum has an important place on the Lisbon art map and is absolutely worth exploring.

Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian in Lisbon

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is one of the most important cultural organisations in Portugal and a must-visit location in Lisbon for art lovers, especially if you’re interested in modern and contemporary art, because they just reopened Centro de Arte Moderna (CAM) following a four-year-long reconstruction. CAM boasts one of the finest collections of Portuguese modern and contemporary art, housed in a fascinating building designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, all set admist a serene garden. This combination makes it a true Lisbon art oasis.

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Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation was established in 1956. In their own words, the organisation “promotes the development of individuals and organisations, through art, science, education, and charity, for a more equitable and sustainable society”.

Its founder, Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian (1869-1955) was a businessman, art collector, and philanthropist who spent last years of his life in Portugal. He established a foundation and bequeathed his assets to the country. Gulbenkian assembled one of the largest private art collections in Europe, which is now displayed at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, a part of the foundation. The museum features over 6,000 works of art from various cultures, spanning from Antiquity to the early 20th century. The collection includes pieces by renowned artists such as Rogier van der Weyden, Peter Paul Rubens, Frans Hals, Rembrandt van Rijn, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, and many others.

Located in Gulbenkian Garden which spans over 7.5 hectares, the Gulbenkian complex includes the headquarters offices, the Gulbenkian Museum, an Art Library, and the Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian. The Gulbenkian Orchestra and choir perform weekly in the Grand Auditorium.

The gardens provide an ideal backdrop for the art pieces and cultural events organised by the Gulbenkian Foundation. Nestled within the vibrant city, Gulbenkian Garden is a stunning example of the Portuguese modern movement in landscape design.

Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian (CAM)

The modernist complex of buildings at the Gulbenkian Foundation has recently been enriched by the remodeling of the Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian.

We believe art should be within everyone’s reach and think of CAM as an accessible and welcoming space. (…) We imagine a visit to CAM as a walk in the park, to unwind but also to reflect on the world and its complexity.
(CAM’s mission and vision)

Established in 1983, the original CAM building was located in the southern part of the garden. After launching a competition in 2019 to refurbish the building and better integrate it with an additional eight square metres of green space. CAM Gulbenkian recently re-opened in 2024, making it an unmissable stop for modern art and architecture enthusiasts travelling to Lisbon.

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CAM Architecture

Not only can you enjoy some impressive modern art exhibitions at the CAM, but the building itself is a remarkable work of art, as well. It was awarded the title of Building of the Year 2025 by Arch Daily.

The building’s design creates a seamless transition between architecture and nature, particularly through the incorporation of an element known as Engawa, or the Japanese canopy, which is adorned with hundreds of Portuguese ceramic tiles. Kengo Kuma collaborated with landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic to ensure a harmonious integration of architecture and nature in the design.

As the CAM states: “The large canopy covered in white tiles with soft, organic lines which now marks the facade of the new building transforms its main entrance into an area of passage between CAM and the garden, designed for the socialisation of visitors. A space that can be both protective and relaxing, welcoming and liberating. Kuma was inspired by the Engawa typology, a path protected by the eaves of the roof, not entirely inside or outside, which is commonly found in traditional Japanese houses. The Engawa concept is also reflecting in various features of the building, from the design of new exhibition spaces to the opening of various access points.”

CAM Collection

The Centro de Arte Moderna houses the most comprehensive collections of modern Portuguese art. Additionally, it features significant works by British, French, Iraqi, Armenian, and other 20th-century artists.

Over the past 60 years, the Foundation has gathered a collection of modern and contemporary art that now includes around 12,000 artworks. This is an ideal place to gain insight into Portuguese modern art. CAM regularly organises thematic exhibitions that offer fresh perspectives on its collection.

The CAM collection includes a significant number of artworks donated or acquired through the Gulbenkian Foundation’s ongoing philanthropic initiatives, such as the grants awarded to numerous Portuguese artists, including Paula Rego.

What resonates with me particularly is the Foundation’s aim to make art more accessible. They encourage visitors to think of CAM as an extension of their own living room, inviting them to casually visit with friends and family.

In addition to exhibiting artworks, CAM also organises an extensive art program that includes performances, talks, festivals, and more.

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CAM Highlights

Although there are so many fascinating artworks in the CAM collection, here are some of the highlights you shouldn’t miss during your visit.

1 – Paula Rego: O Tempo – Passado e Presente, 1990

2 – Helena Almeida: Seduzir, 2002

3 – José de Almada Negreiros: Untitled, 1928

4 – Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso: Trou de la serrure PARTO DA VIOLA Bon ménage Fraise avant garde, c. 1916

5 – Maria Helena Vieira da Silva: Tragic Maritime History of Shipwreck, 1944

CAM Exhibitions

CAM organises various temporary exhibitions, highlighting both established and emerging artists, as well as new and experimental art forms.

Current & Upcoming CAM Exhibitions:

  • 21 Sep 2024 – 23 June 2025: Tide Line. CAM Collection
  • 22 February – 28 July 2025: Diana Policarpo. Ciguatera
  • 22 February – 2 June 2025: Julianknxx. Chorus in Rememory of Flight
  • 14 March – 21 July 2025: British Art
  • 11 April – 22 September 2025: A selection of works from the collection by Leonor Antunes
  • 11 April – 22 September 2025: Paula Rego and Adriana Varejao. Between Your Teeth
  • 17 May – 22 September 2025: Mikhail Karikis. We Are Together Because…
  • 18 September – 19 January 2025: Zineb Sedira. Standing Here Wondering Which Way to Go
  • From 18 September: CAM Collection Highlights
  • 6 November 2026 – 30 March 2026: Carlos Bunga. Inhabit the contradiction

⤷ TIP: Check out the CAM agenda for an up-to-date info!

CAM Shop

If you’d like to get a piece of Portuguese art for yourself after your visit to CAM, be sure to check out its shop. The Foundation collaborates with various creators and brands from Portugal to showcase their works in the shop.

You’ll also find products inspired by the artworks at CAM, along with a selection of books focused on modern and contemporary art.

CAM’s Table

CAM features a new restaurant led by Chef André Magalhães, named after a large communal table designed by the building’s architect, Kengo Kuma. The concept encourages sharing and socialising around the table while enjoying freshly from local producers.

Tips for visiting

⤷ Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 10 a.m – 6 p.m | Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m – 11 p.m | Closed on Tuesday.

⤷ Address: Av. de Berna 45A, 1067-001 Lisbon, Portugal

⤷ Online tickets: Click here to purchase online tickets

⤷ Discounts: Free under 12 | 25% – Under 30 years old | 20% – Lisbon Card | 10% – Over 65 years old

With its fascinating art collection, beautiful architecture, many temporary exhibitions and a sustainable cause, CAM has an important place on the Lisbon art map. When next time in the Portuguese capital, be sure to visit this remarkable place.

Cover photo: Fernando Guerra | Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian

This blog post is sponsored by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation owns the copyright of all the photos in the article.

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