“My children” whispered Calouste Gulbenkian. He gazed at his collection. This wasn’t just a collection it was his legacy. Welcome to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon.
This magnificent museum houses one of the world’s most important private collections. Assembled by Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian a man of Armenian origin. Born in the Ottoman Empire he later became a British citizen. He amassed a fortune in the oil industry earning the nickname Mr Five Percent. His passion for art was evident from a young age. His eclectic tastes reflect his travels and origins in Cappadocia and Constantinople. Both were major crossroads of art and religion.
The collection boasts over 6000 pieces. They span from antiquity to the early 20th century. You’ll find treasures from ancient Egypt Greece Babylonia Armenia Persia and Japan. European art is represented too with works by masters like Rubens Rembrandt and Monet. The museum showcases a stunning array of paintings sculptures and decorative arts.
One highlight is Houdon’s famous Diana. A marble sculpture that once belonged to Catherine the Great. Gulbenkian acquired it from the Hermitage Museum in 1930. He felt such a strong connection to his art. He considered each piece a child a part of his family.
The museum itself is a work of art. Designed by Ruy Jervis d’Athouguia Pedro Cid and Alberto Pessoa. It opened in 1969 fourteen years after Gulbenkian’s death. The building perfectly complements the treasures within. It seamlessly blends architecture and art.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum isn’t just a museum. It’s a journey through time and cultures. A testament to one man’s passion. His incredible eye for beauty. His lasting legacy for the world to admire. Explore and be captivated. This museum is more than a collection. It is a story waiting to unfold before your very eyes.