National Museum of Ancient Art

Welcome to the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, often described as the 'museum of Portuguese identity.' Located in the former Palácio de Alvor and the annexed Convento de Santo Alberto, this institution is the most significant…

The first floor of the museum is a 'Who’s Who' of European artistic history, showcasing the 'contacts the Portuguese had' with Spain, France, Italy, and Flanders. This floor hosts a 'fantastic collection of Flemish painting' from…

One of the most 'sacred and holy' spaces within the museum is the 'extinct Convent of Santo Alberto's chapel.' Preserved as an 'integral part' of the museum experience, this 16th-century chapel is a 'typical example of Portuguese…

The second floor is home to the 'gold and jewelry' collection, one of the 'prize collections' of the museum. The 'extraordinary' highlight here is the 'Belém Monstrance' (Custódia de Belém). …

On the same floor, we find the 'collection of Namban art,' a 'highlight of this exhibition.' These 'Japanese screens' (biombos) 'portray the first contacts of the Portuguese with Japan' in the late 16th century. They are…

The third floor is dedicated to 'Portuguese painting and sculpture,' and it is here that we find the 'most important painting' in the country: the 'St. Vincent Panels' (Painéis de São Vicente). …

After 'exploring' the 'extensive collection' inside, the 'garden around the palace' 'invites you to continue the contemplation.' This 'scenic' space offers 'spectacular viewpoints' across the 'Tagus River' and toward the '25th of…

As we conclude our 'scholarly walkthrough' of the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, let us reflect on the 'extraordinary journey' we have taken. We have seen how this 'museum of identity' 'conducts us through the arts' and through…