I guess I should have done more research while actually IN Lisbon and not now, after I’ve gone and am writing these posts, but I tend to research less and stroll more during my travels nowadays. Lisbon has your common sounding museums like the Modern Art Centre or the Archaeological Museum.
But…how about these cultural institutions?
The Puppet Museum
Masses and masses of puppets. Sounds like a bad dream. Just in time for Halloween, check out this scary place! Okay, I’ll admit, the pics of the Puppet Museum on this guy’s blog look pretty cool.
The Pharmacy Museum
5000 years of history of healthcare and drugs. More mortar and pestles please!
The National Dress Museum
I’d rather jam chopsticks into my eyes than look at old, crusty dresses for hours. Sorry fashionistas. Oh yeah, you’re not reading this blog. 😉
(What?! An emoticon on here. Hmmm…)
The National Coach Museum
Wikipedia says this museum has one of the finest collections of historical carriages in the world, being one of the most visited museums of the city. Really? I can not imagine looking at ‘coaches’ for any length of time at all. Sorry Coach fans. Maybe a nice ride in one around the city, but … blah.
The Electricity Museum
Okay this one would’ve been cool to see…but I didn’t. The entire complex that makes up the Tejo Power Station constitutes an old thermoelectric plant that supplied power to Lisbon and its surrounding area. The building is unique amidst Lisbon’s architectural setting, and is said to be one of the most beautiful examples of Portuguese industrial architecture from the first half of the 20th century. Why didn’t I see this? Boo LL.
The Water Museum and Lisbon Aqueduct
Well, I should’ve gone here, but frankly didn’t read about it until I was writing this post. I dig old working industrial buildings turned into museums and other mixed-use spaces. The water museum is housed in a former pumping station and contains four huge steam engines dating from 1880. But even cooler than that is the huge aqueduct outside. Wow! Built in 1746 to bring the city its first clean drinking water, the remarkable aqueduct is made up of 109 stone arches, which were the tallest stone arches in the world when they were built. It stretches for 36 miles and apparently you can walk parts of it and get some stunning views of the city. Now I need to go back to see this.
Have you been to any of these ‘different’ museums in Lisbon? Which one should I really go back to see?
Katrina
Totally with you on the “research less and stroll more” philosophy lately.
Lisa
Definitely. My travels have really evolved.
Jeff @ GoTravelzing
I spent 4 days in Lisbon and only went to one one of these on your list. The coach museum. It was a fairly interesting museum that was worth about an hour of time.
I also find myself wandering more and not spending too much time in museums.
Lisa
Thanks for the comment Jeff! Although, I love planning less and wandering, after writing this post, I did wish I’d gone to a few of these!
Kelly Lewis
I love Lisbon so much! Didn’t go to any of these museums, probably because Lisbon is the bomb and there’s so much to see and do there without being inside all day!
Lisa
Hi Kelly! Cool to hear you think Lisbon is the bomb! I think I need to go back and experience it some more…I wasn’t there long enough to feel it’s full blasting effects!
kipling
very nice post….
Laurence
Wow.. museums for all!