"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? Located in the northern edge of Lisbon , Museu Calouste Gulbenkian feels like an art-filled oasis that travelers rarely visit. Tranquil gardens surround a brutalist building that houses world-class pieces spanning 5,000 years of history. A museum’s permanent collection is its defining feature: How was this one? It’s not a big museum, but the collection is spectacular. There are Egyptian sculptures, John Singer Sargent paintings, and Art Nouveau jewelry. Exhibits keep us coming back. What can we expect? The museum does host temporary exhibits. There’s a fabulous one right now on Rembrandt on loan from the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid. The museum-going experience is good. There’s a lot to look at, but it never feels overwhelming. Plus, the fact that there’s fantastic outdoor spaces allow for a more easygoing ambiance. What did you make of the crowd? You see a lot of Portuguese families visiting. The collection here is truly world-class—rare in Portugal. So it attracts a variety of people, including serious art enthusiasts. On the practical tip, how were the facilities? There are access ramps and wheelchair elevators to accommodate those with mobility issues. Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it? The gift shop was pretty basic: books about the art you’ll find the galleries, logo-ed merch, and random jewelry. Is the cafe worth a stop? The cafe is pretty basic, but it does have a terrace that overlooks the gardens. The garden itself has a cute ice cream shop. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? The museum added sculptures around the garden, and it’s great to split the visit up between the indoor galleries with a stroll around the grounds." - Chadner Navarro
