Is it just me or does this building seem to hum with creative energy? This is the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian Centro de Arte Moderna. It is an art and culture center in Lisbon. It houses the largest collection of modern and contemporary Portuguese art.
The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian Centro de Arte Moderna features artists such as Paula Rego. You will also find Amadeo de Souza Cardoso and Helena Almeida. International artists like Sonia Delaunay are also represented. You might also recognize David Hockney and Bridget Riley.
This center opened in its original form in July 1983. Sir Leslie Martin and associates designed it. A fully redesigned building by Kengo Kuma and associates opened in September 2024. José de Azeredo Perdigão and its board envisioned the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian Centro de Arte Moderna. He was the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian’s founding President.
The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian Centro de Arte Moderna was meant to house a collection of modern and contemporary art. It was also meant to be a site where emerging artists could present their work. CAM became the home of ACARTE. Madalena de Azeredo Perdigão launched this avant-garde multidisciplinary programme in 1984.
Nested in a new garden designed by Vladimir Djurovic, the new CAM hosts numerous presentations of its collection. It also holds temporary exhibitions by emerging and confirmed artists. Some are being exhibited for the first time in Portugal. In addition to its classic exhibition spaces the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian Centro de Arte Moderna also features a gallery dedicated to sound art. CAM also offers a Live Arts programme. It reflects the eclectic artistic production of our times. You can also find a Learning Space and participatory projects.
The new building was designed by architect Kengo Kuma. It is a fusion of art architecture and nature. The striking Engawa canopy creates a new connection between the interior and exterior.
Don’t miss the City around the City exhibition. It features a video installation commissioned by CAM. Tristany Mundu created it.
To get here you can take the metro to São Sebastião. This is on the blue and red lines. You can also go to Praça de Espanha on the blue line. Buses 713 716 726 742 746 and 756 will also get you here.
The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian Centro de Arte Moderna is open Sunday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00. On Saturdays it is open from 10:00 to 21:00. It is closed on Tuesdays. It is also closed on January 1 Easter Sunday May 1 and December 24 and 25.