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The Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Portuguese for National Museum of the Azulejo), occasionally known in English as the National Tile Museum, is an art museum in Lisbon, Portugal dedicated to the azulejo, traditional tilework of Portugal and the former Portuguese Empire, as well as of other Iberophone cultures. Housed in the former Madre de Deus Convent, the museum's collection is one of the largest of ceramics in the world.
The National Tile Museum was established in 1965 and became a National Museum in 1980. It is located in the former Convent of Madre Deus, founded by Queen D. Leonor in 1509. The Museum went through different building campaigns that involved transformations such as in its 16th-century mannerist cloister; the church which is decorated with remarkable sets of paintings and tiles; the sacristy featuring a Brazilian wood display cabinet and carved wood frames with paintings; the high choir with rich carved gilt wood embellishments; the Chapel of Saint Anthony with an 18th-century Baroque decoration and a significant number of canvases by the painter André Gonçalves.
The tile museum is a very cool place to visit in Lisbon. We only allowed an hour on our last day there and we wished we'd left more time. There are a lot of interactive exhibits which show various aspects of how tiles are used and made that take time to go through. Each one is unique and well done and fascinating. There are at least 3 floors, and a very old Cathedral to visit too. The staff there was amazing and let us know when our time was almost up and suggested we explore the higher floors before we left. They did this with several other visitors too and then stayed open at least a half hour beyond closing just so we could explore the floors we'd have missed otherwise. What they called the 2nd floor...but was really the 3rd floor has a room with an amazing panoramic tile display of the entire city with tons of historical information about all of the oldest sites in Lisbon that have unique tile work. Just this floor alone could have consumed an hour of our time. We felt lucky they suggested we get up there before they closed...and then stayed open long enough to fully appreciate it!
vsatips Tech TipsJan 7, 2018
If you've spent any time in Lisbon you can't help but notice ceramic tiles. They are everywhere. After seeing so many my friend and I trekked out to the National Tile Museum to learn a little more about them. Apart from the expected history of tile making there are many impressive examples walls covered in murals made from tiles. My favourite was a massive and detailed panoramic mural of Lisbon from a just before the 1755 earthquake. There is also a wonderfully ornate church as part of the museum. If you need to relax while there the cafe is very peaceful - lots of shade, trees, waterfalls.
Lee McLoughlinOct 27, 2017
The museum is dedicated to the history,culture and technique of ceramic pieces called azuleios,used as sacred and ornamental exhibts. Arab ceramics,Renaissance,altar pieces and not only. A must visit! Simply:beautiful We got there by taking a bus which dropped us in front of the museum. A chic restaurant in a beautiful garden.
horia vintilaMar 4, 2018
The museum is a bit further from the centre than done attractions, but it is easily reached by bus. Although the signs are not that clear it us well worth finding. There is a good display of tiles from various periods and the building itself, a former convent makes it more attractive. There is a nice cafe onsite and you can spend several hours here.
Susan WilliamsDec 26, 2017
Nice collection of tiles through the centuries. Not enough info about the process of tile making and how the process changed over time. The building of the museum needs maintenance. The gardens are beautiful but also need a lot more maintenance.
Russell ClarkFeb 3, 2018
Very unique museum (history of tiles in Lisbon/Portugal) but surprisingly interesting. The tiles throughout are very pretty and the museum has them organized in a easy to understand way. Would actually consider this a must-see if you're in the city.
Gordon ScottMar 22, 2018
I genuinely found this place fascinating - tile museum might be a bit of tough sell to some people, me included, but actually there's something about the space and the displays that just holds your attention. Its a very peaceful space too, pretty easy to get to by public transport (bus) I'd recommend if you're in Lisbon, I'd steer clear of the canteen though, everything is microwaved / reheated to within an inch of its life
Mike DorranceMar 17, 2018
This is a delightful discovery. We spent more than 2 hours here. Free and ad-free app acts as audio or readable guide. Café good for drink and snacks at reasonable prices. Jump on 759 bus and go there.
Maurice GoodrickMar 8, 2018
Here you can find the most beautiful collection of tiles in Portugal. Definitely a museum to visit. If you want me to be your guide it will be a great pleasure to take you!
JoĂŁo SĂ©rvulo CorreiaMar 22, 2018
Wonderful institution in the east part of Lisbon. Very informative displays in the history and technique of the Azulejo. The building is quite impressive as well, with churches, courtyards and historical rooms. Donât miss the wonderful azulejo panorama of the city in the top floor.
Simon DApr 25, 2018
I was positively surprised at how interesting this museum makes the history of azulejo, which I knew nothing about before going. There was quite a line because they're slow to sell tickets, something they could definitely improve. Might be a good idea looking into the lisboa card to pass the line since it makes you not need to buy a ticket.
Tamm SjödinApr 22, 2018
A rich history of the tile industry in Portugal and how it has evolved through the centuries to become the intricate art form that it is today. Includes fascinating details as to how early tiles we're painstakingly crafted and a video about how restorations are lovingly accomplished today. The tile mural of Lisbon on the second floor is a fascinating look at the face of the centuries old Port and a definite must see.
Pamela BalchJun 1, 2018
Very interesting navigation through the history of manufacturing and use of tiles in Portugal. The building in itself is also beautiful and the tile art well presented. The café area is very nice and invites for relaxation. Definitely worth a visit.
Marion MuehlenMay 27, 2018
Beautiful artwork. The church is amazing but a stunning reminder of excesses committed. I loved the new style tiles in the 3rd floor.
Wolfgang KandekJun 12, 2018
Underwhelming and not very well curated. Lots of religious art and the centerpiece is a chapel. Didnât feel like my understanding of Portuguese tiles is all that more than before I visited. Not really worth the hike out to it.
Geoff KleinmanJun 2, 2018
Itâs off the tourist track but well worth a look to learn about the history of Portugalâs tile making trade. Thereâs a wonderful church inside too and a lush outdoor cafe area. Check it out!
Rosie RenJul 2, 2018
We spent about one hour there. The church is amazing. I felt a part of history when I have been in this museum. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo's mission is the preservation, presentation and study of its collections and the building in which it is located regarding its safeguarding and enjoyment by present and future generations.
Sofia BriskinJul 9, 2018
Awesome! Must see. A bit away from the old town, but so much to see. Beautiful azulejo (tiles) from very old to new. And as a plus, a really really beautiful church inside too. Go!!!
Jeffrey VerpoortJun 24, 2018
The tile museum is a very cool place to visit in Lisbon. We only allowed an hour on our last day there and we wished we'd left more time. There are a lot of interactive exhibits which show various aspects of how tiles are used and made that take time to go through. Each one is unique and well done and fascinating. There are at least 3 floors, and a very old Cathedral to visit too. The staff there was amazing and let us know when our time was almost up and suggested we explore the higher floors before we left. They did this with several other visitors too and then stayed open at least a half hour beyond closing just so we could explore the floors we'd have missed otherwise. What they called the 2nd floor...but was really the 3rd floor has a room with an amazing panoramic tile display of the entire city with tons of historical information about all of the oldest sites in Lisbon that have unique tile work. Just this floor alone could have consumed an hour of our time. We felt lucky they suggested we get up there before they closed...and then stayed open long enough to fully appreciate it!
vsatips Tech TipsJan 7, 2018
If you've spent any time in Lisbon you can't help but notice ceramic tiles. They are everywhere. After seeing so many my friend and I trekked out to the National Tile Museum to learn a little more about them. Apart from the expected history of tile making there are many impressive examples walls covered in murals made from tiles. My favourite was a massive and detailed panoramic mural of Lisbon from a just before the 1755 earthquake. There is also a wonderfully ornate church as part of the museum. If you need to relax while there the cafe is very peaceful - lots of shade, trees, waterfalls.
Lee McLoughlinOct 27, 2017
The museum is dedicated to the history,culture and technique of ceramic pieces called azuleios,used as sacred and ornamental exhibts. Arab ceramics,Renaissance,altar pieces and not only. A must visit! Simply:beautiful We got there by taking a bus which dropped us in front of the museum. A chic restaurant in a beautiful garden.
horia vintilaMar 4, 2018
The museum is a bit further from the centre than done attractions, but it is easily reached by bus. Although the signs are not that clear it us well worth finding. There is a good display of tiles from various periods and the building itself, a former convent makes it more attractive. There is a nice cafe onsite and you can spend several hours here.
Susan WilliamsDec 26, 2017
Nice collection of tiles through the centuries. Not enough info about the process of tile making and how the process changed over time. The building of the museum needs maintenance. The gardens are beautiful but also need a lot more maintenance.
Russell ClarkFeb 3, 2018
Very unique museum (history of tiles in Lisbon/Portugal) but surprisingly interesting. The tiles throughout are very pretty and the museum has them organized in a easy to understand way. Would actually consider this a must-see if you're in the city.
Gordon ScottMar 22, 2018
I genuinely found this place fascinating - tile museum might be a bit of tough sell to some people, me included, but actually there's something about the space and the displays that just holds your attention. Its a very peaceful space too, pretty easy to get to by public transport (bus) I'd recommend if you're in Lisbon, I'd steer clear of the canteen though, everything is microwaved / reheated to within an inch of its life
Mike DorranceMar 17, 2018
This is a delightful discovery. We spent more than 2 hours here. Free and ad-free app acts as audio or readable guide. Café good for drink and snacks at reasonable prices. Jump on 759 bus and go there.
Maurice GoodrickMar 8, 2018
Here you can find the most beautiful collection of tiles in Portugal. Definitely a museum to visit. If you want me to be your guide it will be a great pleasure to take you!
JoĂŁo SĂ©rvulo CorreiaMar 22, 2018
Wonderful institution in the east part of Lisbon. Very informative displays in the history and technique of the Azulejo. The building is quite impressive as well, with churches, courtyards and historical rooms. Donât miss the wonderful azulejo panorama of the city in the top floor.
Simon DApr 25, 2018
I was positively surprised at how interesting this museum makes the history of azulejo, which I knew nothing about before going. There was quite a line because they're slow to sell tickets, something they could definitely improve. Might be a good idea looking into the lisboa card to pass the line since it makes you not need to buy a ticket.
Tamm SjödinApr 22, 2018
A rich history of the tile industry in Portugal and how it has evolved through the centuries to become the intricate art form that it is today. Includes fascinating details as to how early tiles we're painstakingly crafted and a video about how restorations are lovingly accomplished today. The tile mural of Lisbon on the second floor is a fascinating look at the face of the centuries old Port and a definite must see.
Pamela BalchJun 1, 2018
Very interesting navigation through the history of manufacturing and use of tiles in Portugal. The building in itself is also beautiful and the tile art well presented. The café area is very nice and invites for relaxation. Definitely worth a visit.
Marion MuehlenMay 27, 2018
Beautiful artwork. The church is amazing but a stunning reminder of excesses committed. I loved the new style tiles in the 3rd floor.
Wolfgang KandekJun 12, 2018
Underwhelming and not very well curated. Lots of religious art and the centerpiece is a chapel. Didnât feel like my understanding of Portuguese tiles is all that more than before I visited. Not really worth the hike out to it.
Geoff KleinmanJun 2, 2018
Itâs off the tourist track but well worth a look to learn about the history of Portugalâs tile making trade. Thereâs a wonderful church inside too and a lush outdoor cafe area. Check it out!
Rosie RenJul 2, 2018
We spent about one hour there. The church is amazing. I felt a part of history when I have been in this museum. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo's mission is the preservation, presentation and study of its collections and the building in which it is located regarding its safeguarding and enjoyment by present and future generations.
Sofia BriskinJul 9, 2018
Awesome! Must see. A bit away from the old town, but so much to see. Beautiful azulejo (tiles) from very old to new. And as a plus, a really really beautiful church inside too. Go!!!
Jeffrey VerpoortJun 24, 2018
The tile museum is a very cool place to visit in Lisbon. We only allowed an hour on our last day there and we wished we'd left more time. There are a lot of interactive exhibits which show various aspects of how tiles are used and made that take time to go through. Each one is unique and well done and fascinating. There are at least 3 floors, and a very old Cathedral to visit too. The staff there was amazing and let us know when our time was almost up and suggested we explore the higher floors before we left. They did this with several other visitors too and then stayed open at least a half hour beyond closing just so we could explore the floors we'd have missed otherwise. What they called the 2nd floor...but was really the 3rd floor has a room with an amazing panoramic tile display of the entire city with tons of historical information about all of the oldest sites in Lisbon that have unique tile work. Just this floor alone could have consumed an hour of our time. We felt lucky they suggested we get up there before they closed...and then stayed open long enough to fully appreciate it!
vsatips Tech TipsJan 7, 2018
If you've spent any time in Lisbon you can't help but notice ceramic tiles. They are everywhere. After seeing so many my friend and I trekked out to the National Tile Museum to learn a little more about them. Apart from the expected history of tile making there are many impressive examples walls covered in murals made from tiles. My favourite was a massive and detailed panoramic mural of Lisbon from a just before the 1755 earthquake. There is also a wonderfully ornate church as part of the museum. If you need to relax while there the cafe is very peaceful - lots of shade, trees, waterfalls.
Lee McLoughlinOct 27, 2017
The museum is dedicated to the history,culture and technique of ceramic pieces called azuleios,used as sacred and ornamental exhibts. Arab ceramics,Renaissance,altar pieces and not only. A must visit! Simply:beautiful We got there by taking a bus which dropped us in front of the museum. A chic restaurant in a beautiful garden.
horia vintilaMar 4, 2018
The museum is a bit further from the centre than done attractions, but it is easily reached by bus. Although the signs are not that clear it us well worth finding. There is a good display of tiles from various periods and the building itself, a former convent makes it more attractive. There is a nice cafe onsite and you can spend several hours here.
Susan WilliamsDec 26, 2017
Nice collection of tiles through the centuries. Not enough info about the process of tile making and how the process changed over time. The building of the museum needs maintenance. The gardens are beautiful but also need a lot more maintenance.
Russell ClarkFeb 3, 2018
Very unique museum (history of tiles in Lisbon/Portugal) but surprisingly interesting. The tiles throughout are very pretty and the museum has them organized in a easy to understand way. Would actually consider this a must-see if you're in the city.
Gordon ScottMar 22, 2018
I genuinely found this place fascinating - tile museum might be a bit of tough sell to some people, me included, but actually there's something about the space and the displays that just holds your attention. Its a very peaceful space too, pretty easy to get to by public transport (bus) I'd recommend if you're in Lisbon, I'd steer clear of the canteen though, everything is microwaved / reheated to within an inch of its life
Mike DorranceMar 17, 2018
This is a delightful discovery. We spent more than 2 hours here. Free and ad-free app acts as audio or readable guide. Café good for drink and snacks at reasonable prices. Jump on 759 bus and go there.
Maurice GoodrickMar 8, 2018
Here you can find the most beautiful collection of tiles in Portugal. Definitely a museum to visit. If you want me to be your guide it will be a great pleasure to take you!
JoĂŁo SĂ©rvulo CorreiaMar 22, 2018
Wonderful institution in the east part of Lisbon. Very informative displays in the history and technique of the Azulejo. The building is quite impressive as well, with churches, courtyards and historical rooms. Donât miss the wonderful azulejo panorama of the city in the top floor.
Simon DApr 25, 2018
I was positively surprised at how interesting this museum makes the history of azulejo, which I knew nothing about before going. There was quite a line because they're slow to sell tickets, something they could definitely improve. Might be a good idea looking into the lisboa card to pass the line since it makes you not need to buy a ticket.
Tamm SjödinApr 22, 2018
A rich history of the tile industry in Portugal and how it has evolved through the centuries to become the intricate art form that it is today. Includes fascinating details as to how early tiles we're painstakingly crafted and a video about how restorations are lovingly accomplished today. The tile mural of Lisbon on the second floor is a fascinating look at the face of the centuries old Port and a definite must see.
Pamela BalchJun 1, 2018
Very interesting navigation through the history of manufacturing and use of tiles in Portugal. The building in itself is also beautiful and the tile art well presented. The café area is very nice and invites for relaxation. Definitely worth a visit.
Marion MuehlenMay 27, 2018
Beautiful artwork. The church is amazing but a stunning reminder of excesses committed. I loved the new style tiles in the 3rd floor.
Wolfgang KandekJun 12, 2018
Underwhelming and not very well curated. Lots of religious art and the centerpiece is a chapel. Didnât feel like my understanding of Portuguese tiles is all that more than before I visited. Not really worth the hike out to it.
Geoff KleinmanJun 2, 2018
Itâs off the tourist track but well worth a look to learn about the history of Portugalâs tile making trade. Thereâs a wonderful church inside too and a lush outdoor cafe area. Check it out!
Rosie RenJul 2, 2018
We spent about one hour there. The church is amazing. I felt a part of history when I have been in this museum. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo's mission is the preservation, presentation and study of its collections and the building in which it is located regarding its safeguarding and enjoyment by present and future generations.
Sofia BriskinJul 9, 2018
Awesome! Must see. A bit away from the old town, but so much to see. Beautiful azulejo (tiles) from very old to new. And as a plus, a really really beautiful church inside too. Go!!!
Jeffrey VerpoortJun 24, 2018
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM â 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM â 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM â 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM â 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM â 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM â 6:00 PM |
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.