Lisboa São Sebastião

Museu Calouste Gulbenkian. Perhaps Portugal’s biggest fan ever, native Armenian Calouste Gulbenkian was so charmed when he visited in 1942 that he stayed in the same hotel in Lisboa for 13 years, until his death in 1955. In his will, the millionaire left his extensive art collection (some of it purchased from the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia) to Portugal. The collection is divided into sections of ancient art—Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Mesopotamian, Islamic, and Oriental—and European pieces from the 15th to 20th centuries. Highlights include the Egyptian room, Rembrandts, Monets, Renoirs, Rodins, Manets, and a collection of ancient coins. (Av. Berna, 45A. M: São Sebastião. From the main entrance of El Corte Inglés, follow the main road, Av. Augusto Antonio de Aguiar, downhill until you see the sign for the “Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian.” Take a right up the staircase, climb another set of stairs, and the Museu is across the parking lot. Bus #16, 26, 31, 46, 56. ☎217 82 30 00; www.gulbenkian.pt. Open Tu-Su 10am-5:45pm. €4, pass for both the Gulbenkian and the CAMJAP €7. 50% discount for students, teachers, and seniors everyday; free on Su.)

Centro De Arte Moderno. Though not as famous as its neighbor, this modern art museum promotes Portuguese talent from the late 19th century to the present. The center also places an emphasis on works originating from Portugal’s former colonies across the globe. Don’t miss the sculpture gardens that separate the two museums. (R. Dr. Nicolau Bettencourt. M: São Sebastião. From the main entrance of El Corte Inglés, follow the steep Rua Marquês de Fronteira downhill, take a left before the palace, the Ministério do Exército; the Centro will be on your right about 200m farther. Bus #16, 26, 31, 46, 56. ☎217 82 30 00. Open Tu-Su 10am-6pm. €4. Students, teachers, and seniors get a 50% discount. Su free for general public.)

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