Art from the Portuguese Discoveries
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Port
Lisbon, Portugal
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$80
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
The National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon is regarded as one of the most significant art museums in Europe. Works in the museum span a period of 700 years — from the 12th to the 19th centuries — and are as remarkable in their creativity as they are in their record of time. Altogether, the collection reflects Portugal's history, culture, and its role in the world from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and the Industrial Revolution.
The most important Portuguese paintings you'll find here are undoubtedly the Veneration of St Vincent — as important a historical document as it is a painting, as it portrays some prominent 15th-century personalities, including Prince Henry the Navigator.
The theme of the Discoveries is ever-present, illustrating Portugal's links with Africa, India, China, and Japan. 16th-century Japanese screens depict the arrival of Portuguese explorers in Japan. For the Japanese, this was their first contact with Europeans, so their fascination with the Portuguese is seen in the particular emphasis given to the Portuguese's mustaches, western nose size, and buttons, which were unheard of in Japan. From the same era are some Afro-Portuguese carved tusks, Indo-Portuguese chests, and samples of Chinese porcelain that were shipped to Lisbon.
While there, don't miss the fine collection of decorative art and silverware, including the Monstrance of Belém, crafted from the first shipment of gold brought home by Vasco da Gama. A collection of 18th-century French silverware features pieces by François Thomas Germain, which once belonged to the Portuguese royal family.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.