Audio GuideMuseum of the Orient

Welcome to the Museu do Oriente, located in the historic Pedro Álvares Cabral Building on Avenida de Brasília in Lisbon. As you enter, you’ll immediately sense the fusion of tradition and modernity. This building, with its six floors, originally served as a bustling port warehouse in the nineteen forties and now shines as a contemporary museum overseen by the Fundação Oriente under the guidance of Dr Graça Mendes Pinto.

Museu do Oriente

Inside, the air is imbued with the aromas of ancient porcelain and seasoned wood from the Portuguese Presence in Asia Collection. Here, you can admire delicate Chinese and Japanese screens from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, vibrant textiles, and intricate artefacts from Timor, each piece narrating the centuries-old connections between Portugal and Asia.

Museu do Oriente

The Kwok On Collection, housed on the upper floors, boasts over fifteen thousand items that celebrate Asian performing arts. From colourful costumes and traditional masks to musical instruments and puppets, each display captures the vivacious spirit of Asian theatres and rituals. The sounds of traditional instruments seem to echo throughout the halls, breathing life into the exhibits.

artur coelho

The museum's distinctive architecture, featuring robust concrete pillars and expansive rooms, allows natural light to enhance each display. Visitors can unwind in the cosy café or savour a meal at the restaurant, which offers breathtaking views of the River Tagus. For those seeking a deeper dive, the António Alçada Baptista Documentation Centre offers resources about the rich bonds between Portugal and Asia.

Predrag Cvitanović

Throughout the year, special exhibitions and cultural events bring vibrancy to the museum, making each visit feel unique. Interactive displays and multimedia elements engage all your senses, while guided tours in multiple languages enrich your experience. Whether you’re attending a conference in the state-of-the-art auditorium or simply wandering the elegant galleries, the Museu do Oriente provides a captivating journey through art, history, and culture.

Plan your visit on weekdays to enjoy a more tranquil experience, and benefit from the convenient access via Lisbon’s public transport. The museum is welcoming to everyone, with accessibility features ensuring that all visitors can appreciate its treasures. Discover the vibrant narratives and exquisite artistry at the Museu do Oriente, where the past and present of Portuguese and Asian heritage come together in perfect harmony.