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MAAT Lisbon
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Landmark
MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) in Lisbon is an architectural landmark on the banks of the Tagus River in the Belém district. The main building, opened in 2016, was designed by British architect Amanda Levete and is characterized by its undulating structure and a facade made of 15,000 glazed ceramic tiles. These reflect the light from the river and change their appearance depending on the time of day. The museum also includes the neighboring Tejo Power Station, a historic red-brick industrial monument that once supplied the city with electricity. MAAT functions as an interdisciplinary platform that connects contemporary art with technological innovations. Visitors can walk over the gently sloping roof, which serves as a public viewpoint and has a wide view over the Tagus and the 25th of April Bridge. The project is part of an extensive urban renewal combining culture and public space at the riverfront.
- Location: Portugal
- Top sights: National Coach Museum · Chafariz do Palácio de Belém · Belém National Palace
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 22 | 19 | 14 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 60 | 51 | 60 | 54 | 34 | 13 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 78 | 86 | 61 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) in Lisbon is open to visitors, presenting temporary exhibitions on art, architecture and technology. The wave-shaped building on the Tagus riverbank is an architectural highlight even from the outside.
Typical hours
The museum is typically open Wednesday to Monday, with a closure day on Tuesday. Opening hours are usually from 10 to 18, but may vary depending on the exhibition.
Photography
Photography without flash is usually allowed in the exhibition spaces, while the rooftop terrace and riverfront promenade can be photographed at any time. The curved architecture and reflections in the water provide handy conditions for creative architectural photos.
Time needed
Allow about an hour for the indoor exhibitions and half an hour for the outdoor area and rooftop terrace. Photography enthusiasts should allocate more time for exterior shots.
Combine with
MAAT is located in the Belém district, near the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Combine the visit with a walk along the Tagus riverside promenade and a stop at the famous Pastéis de Belém café.
Getting there
The museum is reachable by tram line 15E from Lisbon city center, stop 'Belém'. Trains on the Cascais line also stop in Belém, and parking is limited in the area.
Insider tip
Visit MAAT at sunset - the rooftop terrace gives one of the best views over the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Tagus. The entry ticket also grants access to the neighboring Electricity Museum (Museu da Eletricidade).
Geography
Facts
- The museum opened on October 5, 2016
- The facade consists of 15,000 ceramic tiles
- The building offers 3,000 sqm of exhibition space
- Construction costs were approximately 20 million euros
- The roof is accessible to the public for walking
- The Tejo Power Station was built in 1908
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town MAAT Lisbon (10)
LU.CA - Teatro Luís de Camões
Theatre in Lisbon, named after the poet Luís de Camões.
Afonso de Albuquerque Square Garden🌳 park
Garden in front of Belém National Palace with a monument to Afonso de Albuquerque.
Museum of the Presidency of the Republic🏛 museum
Museum in Lisbon, Portugal, about the history of the Portuguese presidency.
Quake - Lisbon Earthquake Centre🏛 museum
Interactive museum about the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.
Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Baroque chapel from 1710 in Lisbon, later deconsecrated.
Tropical Botanical Garden🌳 park
Botanical garden in Lisbon, created in 1912, featuring tropical flora.
Pastéis de Belém
Portuguese egg tart pastry dusted with cinnamon.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does MAAT stand for?
It stands for Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology.
Can you go up on the museum roof?
Yes, the walkable roof is open to the public and gives a great view of the Tagus River and the 25th of April Bridge.
Is the Central Tejo power station part of the museum?
Yes, MAAT consists of the modern new building and the historic power station right next to it.
Is there a fee to access the roof?
No, the outdoor areas and the roof are accessible to the public for free.
What are the opening hours?
Usually from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
MAAT Lisbon: where is it located?
MAAT Lisbon is located in Portugal.
MAAT Lisbon: what is there to see?
Highlights include National Coach Museum, Chafariz do Palácio de Belém, Belém National Palace.
MAAT Lisbon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
MAAT Lisbon: why is it worth visiting?
MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) in Lisbon is an architectural landmark on the banks of the Tagus River in the Belém district.
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