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 beyond simply displaying collections of paintings or artifacts. Each of these unusual museums in Lisbon puts the spotlight on something unexpected and interesting, from power to puppets.
Some 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 touring Lisbon’s best landmarks, we highly suggest adding one (or more) of the 5 most unusual museums in Lisbon to your itinerary.
5 Unusual Museums in Lisbon
MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
The MAAT is among Lisbon’s most well-known museums. Although “art” is part of its name, it offers far more than your average art exhibition. It’s located next to the Tagus River in Belém and encompasses the old Tejo Power Station and an avant-garde building that houses modern art and multidisciplinary exhibitions.
The power station, which generated all of the city’s electricity until the 1970s, has been transformed into the Electricity Museum. Here you find 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.
Accessibility info: The MAAT is equipped with ramps and elevators. 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 recreations to transport you back in time.
You’ll move through the museum with a small group of people. The whole tour takes about 90 minutes. It’s open to children aged 6 and up. The interactive experience is entertaining for kids, but keep in mind that it might also be a bit intense.
Accessibility info: 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. However, it is possible to observe this part of the experience without directly participating.
National Tile Museum
The National Tile Museum is another of the more unusual museums in Lisbon. The clue is in the name and it traces the history of one of Portugal’s most iconic art forms: azulejos, or tiles to me and you! Lisbon is covered in 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.
Accessibility info: There are 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 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). The 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.
Insiders tip: It’s about a three-minute walk from the Earthquake Museum and a seven-minute walk from MAAT, so you can easily combine these three unusual museums in Lisbon into one fun day!
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. In addition, there are themed guided tours and various puppet shows and performances.
Accessibility info: 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. There are specific tours and workshops for groups with special educational needs.
FAQ´s – Unusual Museums in Lisbon
How much do tickets to Lisbon’s museums cost, and can you buy them online?
Ticket prices for most of Lisbon’s museums range from €5 to €12 for adults, with discounts available for students, seniors, and Lisbon Card holders. Many museums also offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month. You can usually purchase tickets directly at the entrance, but buying them online in advance—especially for popular museums like MAAT or Quake—can help you skip the queues and secure your preferred time slot.
How can I get around between the museums in Lisbon?
Most of Lisbon’s museums are easily accessible by public transport, particularly tram 15E and several bus routes that run through Belém, where MAAT, the Coach Museum, and the Earthquake Museum are located. The metro system connects to others in the city center, such as the Tile Museum and the Puppetry Museum. If you plan to visit multiple museums in a day, consider purchasing a 24-hour public transport pass, which covers buses, trams, and metro lines for around €6.80.
Do staff and exhibits in Lisbon’s museums cater to English-speaking visitors?
Yes! Almost all major museums in Lisbon offer exhibit descriptions, brochures, and audio guides in English. Many also have English-speaking staff available to assist visitors. For an even more immersive experience, guided tours in English are often offered at set times during the day—especially at interactive museums like Quake and MAAT.
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.
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