Visit Museum Quarter (Bairro dos Museus)
Table of Contents
The Museum Quarter (Bairro dos Museus) in Lisbon is a unique cultural space that is home to several outstanding Portugal art museums. Located in the historic center of the city along the waterfront, this area offers visitors an incredible exploration of the art and history of Portuguese culture. Among its key features are its diverse museum collections, architectural charm and rich cultural heritage, making it an integral part of the cultural experience in Lisbon.
Tourist Information
The Cascais Museum Quarter is not just a vacation on the beach. Several outstanding museums are concentrated here, forming what is known as the Museum Quarter. Created with the aim of making Cascais a cultural center all year round, it offers a ticket that allows them to visit several museums. In the quarter, you can immerse yourself in a variety of cultural experiences, from art to history and beyond.
Inside the museums, you can enjoy the richness of Portugal’s cultural heritage, and the exterior of the buildings is architecturally stunning. The best time to visit is in spring or fall when the weather is favourable for walking between museums and relaxing at outdoor cafes. It is recommended to purchase a combination ticket to save money on visiting several museums. The Museum Quarter is conveniently located in the heart of Cascais, close to other attractions, restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a variety of food after a busy day of exploration.
Interesting Facts
Let’s take a look at the best museums in Portugal that are part of the museum quarter:
- Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães (Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, Cascais). Also known as the Museu de Comtes de Castro Guimarães, this museum is not only home to a rich art collection but also an architectural marvel inspired by fairytale castles. The museum building was commissioned in 1902 by Irish millionaire Jorge O’Neill and is an integral part of Cascais’ historical and cultural heritage.
- Casa das Histórias Paula Rego. This modern museum was specially created to exhibit the works of the great Portuguese artist Paula Rego. The museum building, inspired by the architecture of 20th century art, is an art in itself. Inside, visitors can enjoy Rego’s masterpieces as well as temporary exhibitions by other artists, making the museum a dynamic and lively center for contemporary art in Cascais.
- Farol Museu de Santa Marta. This lighthouse converted into a museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of lighthouses in Portugal and enjoy a magnificent view of the city and the ocean from its top.
- Casa de Santa Maria (Casa de Santa Maria). This cultural site is a combination of a historic residence and a museum. The beautifully preserved interior and the atmosphere of past eras allow visitors to immerse themselves in the history of the aristocratic families of Cascais.
- Museu do Mar (Museum of the Sea). This museum offers a fascinating immersion into the city’s maritime history, telling the story of its fishing past and seafaring traditions.
- Museu da Vila (City Museum). Located in a historic building, this small museum is a guide to the history and culture of Cascais, from its ancient times to the present.
These museums Cascais represent not only the cultural riches of Cascais but also unique opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the history, art and atmosphere of this beautiful city.
Open Hours
The full schedule of each museum in the Museum District can be obtained from the official websites of the respective institutions.
Tickets
Tickets to the Museum Quarter are available at different rates: for municipality residents and the unemployed cost €1.5, for tourists €3. Children under 12 and people over 65 have free admission. Entrance to parks is free, except for special events. A single day ticket gives access to all museum locations in the Museum Quarter.
Address
Address: Fortress Nossa Senhora da Luz de Cascais, Cidadela de Cascais, Av. Dom Carlos I 246, 2750-310 Cascais
How to Get to Museum Quarter
To get to the museum quarter from the center of Cascais, you will need only 3 minutes on foot. Using a car, you can get there in 1 minute. This is a significant advantage, providing convenience and speedy travel for visitors.
