Audio GuideMuseu de Marinha
Seagoing history with collections of model ships, maritime artifacts & ornate 18th-century barges.
Welcome to the Maritime Museum, located in the historic Belém district of Lisbon, Portugal. This museum, established on the twenty-second of July, eighteen sixty-three by King Luís, is dedicated to preserving Portugal's rich maritime heritage. Situated in the west wing of the stunning Jerónimos Monastery, a prime example of Manueline architecture, the museum offers visitors a fascinating insight into the nation's seafaring history.
Upon entering, you will find over twenty thousand artefacts, including detailed models of galleys, riverboats, and coastal vessels spanning from the Age of Discovery to the twentieth century. A standout feature is the Pavilhão das Galeotas, which displays royal ships such as a brigantine built in seventeen eighty and used during Queen Elizabeth II's visit in nineteen fifty-seven.
Experience the spirit of the sea as you explore collections of maritime weapons, uniforms, navigational tools, and intricate charts. The museum also pays tribute to Henrique Maufroy de Seixas, a devoted collector whose extensive maritime collection has greatly enriched the museum's exhibits.
Beyond the displays, the museum includes a comprehensive documentation centre with fourteen thousand five hundred works, an image archive holding approximately one hundred and twenty thousand pictures, and a collection of ship drawings. In June twenty twenty-three, the Maritime Museum was honoured as an Honorary Member of the Military Order of Saint James of the Sword, and it remains one of Portugal's most popular attractions, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Housed in the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since nineteen eighty-three, the museum not only showcases maritime achievements but also reflects the architectural splendour and historical importance of its location. Whether you are a history enthusiast or just curious, the Maritime Museum invites you to explore Portugal’s enduring maritime legacy.