National Tile Museum

The National Tile Museum (in portuguese, Museu Nacional do Azulejo) is currently one the cultural bastions of Lisboa because it exhibits a collection of Tile and Ceramics revealing of the Portuguese artistic uniqueness.

It was founded in 1965 and elevated to the category of National Museum in the year of 1980. Gifted with a well equipped conservation and restoration department, the museum is an important support in the delicate process of giving specialized vocational training in conservation and tile restoration.

The museum is housed in the old Convento da Madre de Deus, once belonging to the religious order of Santa Clara and erected in 1509 by Rainha Dona Leonor. In the building, that for itself is worth coming here, it is possible to visit the Capela da Rainha Dona Leonor and the Capela de Santo António, the church and the choir.

The museum collection includes in the permanent exhibition art works dating back from the second half of the 15^th century until the present day. Held by the museum stands out the Grande Panorama sobre Lisboa, a magnificent illustrative panel of the city of Lisboa prior the earthquake of 1755. Gabriel Del Barco was presumably the author of this fascinating piece of art dated from the year 1700.

The National Tile Museum houses occasionally temporary exhibitions that produce renewed motives of interest for all the lovers Ceramic and painting on Tile.