National Azulejo Museum

The National Azulejo Museum in Lisbon is dedicated to the history and art of Portuguese decorative ceramic tiles (azulejos). The museum is housed in the former Madre de Deus convent, whose historic spaces are part of the visitor experience.

The institution gathers and preserves historic tiles removed from buildings as well as complete panels and contemporary commissions, presenting them for conservation, study and public display. The former convent building was adapted to museum use while retaining key historic interiors.

The museum sits in eastern Lisbon in the Madre de Deus complex; it is reachable by road and public transport from central Lisbon and is part of the city’s network of specialised museums.

• Collection highlights: The collection covers historic and contemporary azulejos, showing techniques and styles from the 15th century onwards and including large panel installations that are best viewed in the museum's former church and cloister.

What to See #

• Madre de Deus complex: The museum is housed in the former 16th-century Madre de Deus convent, whose church and cloister form an integral part of the display spaces.
• Permanent tile galleries: A chronological display traces decorative tile work from the 15th century to contemporary practice, including several large panel works and architectural installations.