Visiting a museum is one of the best ways to dive deeper into the history and culture of any destination—or, in some cases, a highly specific subject. Lisbon is home to several museums that go a step further than simply displaying collections of paintings or artifacts. Each of these places puts the spotlight on something unexpected and interesting, from power to puppets.
Some of them have a decidedly local focus, delving into a particular event in the city’s past or an iconic aspect of its identity. Others expand on a niche topic that’s surprisingly fascinating when you take a closer look. The next time you’re visiting the Portuguese capital, we highly suggest adding one (or more) of the most unusual museums in Lisbon to your itinerary.
MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
The MAAT is among Lisbon’s most well-known museums, and although “art” is part of its name, it offers far more than your average art exhibitions. It’s located next to the Tagus River in Belém, encompassing the Tejo Power Station (which generated all of the city’s electricity until the 1970s) and an avant-garde building that houses modern art and multidisciplinary exhibitions.
The power station itself has been transformed into the Electricity Museum, displaying the old engines, generators, and other equipment it once employed. The MAAT plays on this juxtaposition of 20th-century technology, contemporary art, and contrasting styles of architecture to create an eclectic cultural space that’s just as captivating for kids as it is for adults.
Insider’s tip: The MAAT is equipped with ramps and elevators, and visitors with impaired vision can take specially designed tours featuring audio descriptions and tactile experiences. There’s also an Accessible Spaces tour, which explores the museum’s architecture via sound and touch.
Quake – Lisbon Earthquake Museum
If you know anything at all about Lisbon’s history, you’ve probably heard of the 1755 earthquake (and subsequent tsunami and fires) that decimated the city. Definitely one of the most unusual museums in Lisbon, Quake is an immersive museum dedicated to this natural disaster. Its 10 different rooms feature earthquake simulations, scientific explanations, personal stories, and realistic recreations to transport you back in time.
You’ll move through the museum with a small group of people and the whole tour takes about an hour and a half. It’s open to children aged 6 and up, and while the interactive experience can be super entertaining for kids, keep in mind that it might also be a bit intense.
Visitors with reduced mobility are advised to email the museum ahead of time to arrange an adapted visit. The earthquake simulator isn’t recommended for people with certain health conditions, but it’s possible to observe this part of the experience without directly participating.
Traveler’s Tip: Lisbon is so centrally located that there are several amazing daytrips available. From Sintra and Évora to Óbidos and more, here are our recommendations for the Best Day Trips from Lisbon
National Tile Museum
The National Tile Museum traces the history of one of Portugal’s most iconic art forms: azulejos. Lisbon is covered in these beautiful tiles, which brighten up the façades of buildings with their intricate patterns and floral motifs. At this museum you can see how Portuguese tilework has evolved since the 15th century and admire some of the most impressive examples.
The National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) is housed in the historic Madre de Deus Convent, which also features a baroque chapel with 17th-century tile murals. It offers an entirely self-guided audio tour and tactile replicas with explanations in Braille for visually impaired visitors, as well as video guides in International Sign and Portuguese Sign Language.
National Coach Museum
Exploring an entire museum filled with antique vehicles—the kind that pre-date the automobile—might sound like a strange way to spend your day. But that’s precisely the proposal of the National Coach Museum (Museo Nacional dos Coches). Its collection includes ornate coaches, carriages, sedan chairs, and more, many of which once belonged to royal figures.
This museum occupies two buildings in Belém, the newer of which houses most of the exhibits. Kids aged 12 and under can enter for free and the museum sometimes offers special activities for children. It’s about a three-minute walk from the Earthquake Museum and a seven-minute walk from MAAT, so you can easily combine it with a visit to another unusual museum in Lisbon.
Museum of Puppetry
Depending on how you feel about puppets, a visit to this museum could either be fascinating or slightly creepy. One of the most unusual museums in Lisbon, the Museum of Puppetry (Museu da Marioneta) is dedicated to puppet theater in particular, showcasing hundreds of marionettes, masks, and more from all over the world. It offers the unique opportunity to learn about the history of puppetry and all its different forms.
The Museum of Puppetry is particularly well-suited to families and kids of all ages. There’s an interactive puppet theater and other hands-on activities, including workshops for both children and adults, as well as themed guided tours and various puppet shows and performances.
The museum provides ramps and elevators for those with reduced mobility, which are accessible via a side entrance; call ahead to arrange assistance. Guided visits can be organized for visually impaired visitors, and there are specific tours and workshops for groups with special educational needs.
Along with the amazing food and architecture found all over the city, these unusual museums in Lisbon will show you some special insight into what makes the city pulsate. Lisbon really has it all, and if you’d like to explore more, why not sign up for a fantastic walking tour? From Food and Fado to a Belem Walking Tour with a river cruise, our knowledgeable tour guides will guide you to some of Lisbon’s best spots.