Photo credits: National Museum of the Azulejo (Museu Nacional do Azulejo), photographers: Luísa Oliveira, Carlos Monteiro, José Pessoa,
The National Museum of the Azulejo (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) is a museum located in Lisbon, Portugal, that showcases the history and art of Portuguese tiles, or azulejos, from the 15th century to the present day. The museum is housed in a 16th-century convent and its collection includes over 5,000 tiles, ranging from medieval pieces to modern-day works.
The museum's permanent collection is displayed in a chronological order, tracing the evolution of azulejo production in Portugal. Visitors can see examples of religious tiles, royal commissions, and secular decorations, all of which played a significant role in the country's artistic and cultural heritage. The museum also has a section dedicated to the techniques and processes involved in creating azulejos, such as glazing and painting.
One of the highlights of the museum is the set of azulejos from the destroyed church of Madre de Deus, which were salvaged and relocated to the museum. These tiles are considered one of the most important examples of the Portuguese Baroque style and cover an area of 1,300 square meters.
The museum also features a temporary exhibition space that hosts rotating exhibits related to the history and art of azulejos, as well as workshops and educational programs for visitors of all ages.