Lisbon · Belem

MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology

MAAT combines Amanda Levete's contemporary building with the preserved 1908 Tejo Power Station, creating Lisbon's most architecturally ambitious museum.

About MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology

MAAT combines Amanda Levete's contemporary building with the preserved 1908 Tejo Power Station, creating Lisbon's most architecturally ambitious museum. The new building's undulating ceramic-tile facade flows like a wave along the Tagus, while inside you'll find rotating exhibitions that genuinely push boundaries between art, technology, and architecture. The power station retains its original industrial machinery alongside contemporary installations in the massive turbine hall.

The experience feels like exploring a spaceship that's landed on Lisbon's riverfront. You'll walk through galleries where digital art responds to your movement, then step into the cathedral-like power station where massive generators dwarf visitors. The rooftop walkway curves dramatically above both buildings, offering unobstructed river views that make for great photo opportunities. The contrast between spaces keeps you engaged - sleek minimalism in the new wing, raw industrial power next door.

Here's what most guides won't tell you: the exhibitions can be hit-or-miss, and when they miss, €5 can feel steep for what you get. The power station is consistently more impressive than whatever's showing in the contemporary galleries. Skip the audio guide (€3 extra) and spend that time on the free rooftop instead. If there's a major temporary exhibition, it's usually worth the €8 full ticket, but check what's on before committing.

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The details

Practical bits

WalkingMinimal walking

The place

Getting there

Address

Av. Brasília, 1300-598 Lisboa, Portugal

Neighborhood

Belem →

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Good to know

Tips, answered

Enter through the power station first. It's the most consistently impressive part, and you'll appreciate the contrast when you move to the sleek new building afterwards.

Most visitors rush through the power station's lower level, but the best views of the massive turbines are from the upper walkway where you can see the full scale.

Visit late afternoon when the setting sun hits the building's ceramic facade. The tiles create light patterns that change as you walk along the exterior, due to the sun's effect on the building's materials.

Plan for about 2 hours.

MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology is in the Belem neighborhood of Lisbon. The address is Av. Brasília, 1300-598 Lisboa, Portugal. The area is well-served by metro.

This works well at any time of day, though mornings tend to be quieter. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

Closed on Tuesday. Check the official website for holiday closures and special hours.

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