National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum in Lisbon was founded on December 22, 1893, by a special decree of the king. It combines two parts: archaeological research before the XVIII century and the results of archaeological research in modern times. Its first director was Jose de Vasconcelas. Later, in 1894, the Academy of Sciences was founded in Lisbon, which five years later received the title of National Monument.

In 1906, on the territory of the monastery of Gerinimus, the exposition of the archaeological museum was opened. Since the opening of the museum, Lisbon has become a center of archaeological research in Portugal, under the direction of Manuel Heleno. In 1956, the expansion of the museum began, the space was increased to 18 thousand square meters, which made the museum one of the largest in Lisbon. The project lasted two years and was led by architect Alberto Cruz. Since 1976, the museum has been closed to visitors, and only temporary exhibitions are held there until 1980.

In 1980, a complete reorganization of the exhibition halls from the vaults of the museum was carried out - the exposition "Treasures of Portuguese Archaeology" was opened. In 1984, the area of the museum again expanded, now to 40 thousand square meters. At the same time, a new exhibition was opened – “Portugal from the Roman era to the present day”. The new exhibition hall, the Underground Lisbon, opened in 1994. The new director, Luis Ropoza, appointed in 1996, runs the museum to this day. In 2202, the museum’s website was opened, where you can see the schedule of all exhibitions.