Audio GuideMuseu de Marinha

Welcome to the Museu de Marinha, nestled in the historic Belém district of Lisbon, Portugal. Founded on July twenty-second, eighteen sixty-three by King Luís, this museum is dedicated to preserving Portugal’s rich seafaring history. Located within the west wing of the stunning Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the nation’s maritime past.

Kiarash Effatian

As you step inside, you’ll encounter over twenty thousand artifacts, including intricate models of galleys, riverboats, and coastal vessels that span from the Age of Discovery to the twentieth century. The Pavilhão das Galeotas is a highlight, showcasing royal vessels like a brigantine built in seventeen eighty that sailed during Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in nineteen fifty-seven.

Mauricio Mayer

Feel the echoes of the sea as you explore the diverse collections of maritime weapons, uniforms, navigational instruments, and detailed charts. The museum also honors Henrique Maufroy de Seixas, a passionate collector whose extensive maritime collection enriched the museum’s offerings.

Beyond displays, the museum houses a comprehensive documentation center with fourteen thousand five hundred works, an image archive containing around one hundred twenty thousand pictures, and a repository of ship drawings. Recognized as an Honorary Member of the Military Order of Saint James of the Sword in June twenty-twenty-three, Museu de Marinha stands as one of Portugal’s most visited institutions, welcoming hundreds of thousands each year.

Set within the majestic Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since nineteen eighty-three, the museum not only celebrates maritime achievements but also shares the architectural beauty and historical significance of its surroundings. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious, Museu de Marinha invites you to journey through Portugal’s enduring legacy on the seas.