One of Europe’s unsung treasures, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum features a magnificent collection of ancient and modern art that cannot be missed during a visit to Lisbon. This is one of the world’s finest private art collections, accumulated over 40 years by British-Armenian oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian, one of the 20th century’s wealthiest men. Residing in Lisbon for the last 13 years of his life, he donated his whole collection of over 6,000 artifacts to the country when he died in 1955.

Opening its doors in 1969, the Gulbenkian Museum’s permanent exhibition includes more than 1,000 pieces. Displayed in chronological and geographical order, the works form two independent tour circuits. The first circuit features ancient works, including 12th–18th-century Islamic art, as well as Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Mesopotamian, East Asian and Armenian pieces. Highlights include a gold Egyptian mummy mask and a 2400-year-old Attic vase. The second circuit focuses on Western art, with exhibits dedicated to paintings, sculptures, books and decorative pieces. This vast European wing includes paintings by the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet and Van Dyck and a room devoted to the lustrous jewellery and glasswork of René Lalique.

The 48-hour ‘Lisboacard’, which will be delivered to your hotel, gives you reduced admission to the Gulbenkian Museum (along with free entrance to 25 of the city’s best museums and monuments, free use of the bus, tram and metro network and discounts at a further 40 places of interest).

Located within the Parque Santa Gertrudes, the nearest metro stations are São Sebastião or Praça de Espanha. Open 10:00-18:00 with last admission at 17:30. Closed Tuesdays and holidays.