Audio GuideGarden of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

Welcome to Jardim da Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, a captivating urban garden nestled in Lisbon that tells a story of transformation and harmony. Originally part of an eighteenth-century farming estate known as Quinta do Provedor dos Armazéns, the land later became Parque de Santa Gertrudes under the vision of influential figures like Maria Eugénia de Almeida and the Swiss gardener Jacob Weiss. Gradually, through the decades, this place evolved into a lush and modern landscape.

Robert Zeh

Designed in the sixties by landscape architects António Viana Barreto and Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles, the garden departs from rigid, global trends by embracing subtle geometry and a natural flow. Native and exotic plant species are arranged in micro-landscapes that echo traditional Portuguese codes, creating tranquil nooks where vibrant floral scents mix with the fresh aroma of earth and water. A central lake reflects the modern Foundation headquarters, museum, and concert halls, symbolizing a dialogue between art, nature, and architecture.

Eduardo Marques

Rehabilitation work that began in two thousand intertwined nature’s spontaneous growth with thoughtful design, reviving walking paths and hidden clearings. Over the years, the garden has played a key role as a social hub hosting concerts, community gatherings, and leisurely strolls. As noted in the history of the garden, every element has been designed and preserved to celebrate the union of cultural heritage with nature’s timeless beauty.

Margarida Mourato