MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology

The museum MAAT, which stands for Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, was opened in the autumn of 2016, making it one of the newest museums in Lisbon.

MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology in Lissabon

Youngest member on the banks of the Tagus

For a number of years people have been working hard to make the banks of the Tagus more attractive. They certainly succeeded! First there was the upgrade of Cais de Sodréstation, which is now on one end of an attractive boulevard to walk from the station to Praça Do Comercio so you can enjoy the view and the sun along the banks of the Tagus.

Then there is the new Doca de Santo. The complex of old port warehouses has been transformed into one of the most desirable places to go out in Lisbon after a thorough renovation.

Voorkant museum MAAT Lissabon

Likewise, MAAT is a beautiful addition to the river banks. It is a striking, modern appearance in one of the historical districts of Lisbon, Belém.

MAAT fits perfectly in the environment

The building looks fantastic and due to the organic forms the huge white building does not end but blends into the surroundings. The façade of the museum is made of tiles and plays with light and shadow. When you look at the façade from a distance you’ll notice that the texture is inspired by the Portuguese tradition of tiles (azulejos). That makes this building more than ideal for beautiful photographs, especially with
Ponte 25 Abril and the Tagus in the background.

MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology met de Ponte de 25 Abril op de achtergrond

The art collection

MAAT is a combination of old and new – the museum is partially housed in the renovated power station next to the entrance. We were told by locals that at the time of our visit the exterior was more fascinating than the changing collection – that is why we didn’t bother to go inside that time. The fact that the museum opens only at noon does not help: we were there around 10:30.

The roof gives a nice view over the Tagus, it is easy to walk up. In the summer it is not surprising that this is a new meeting place for locals to enjoy the beautiful weather.

How to get to MAAT

Address: Avenida Brasilia, Alcântara
Opening hours: Open every day (except Tuesday) from 12:00 – 8 p.m.
Train: Take linha de Cascais from Cais do Sodré. Get off at: Belem and walk 5 minutes from here.
Walk: from the center you can walk to MAAT, from Cais do Sodré it is to walk along the riverbank of the Tagus until you reach MAAT. Keep in mind that this walk is about 5 km.

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