Museu de Marinha: Celebrating Portugal’s Maritime Heritage
Located in Lisbon’s tourist-friendly Belém district, the Museu de Marinha (Navy Museum) honors Portugal’s rich navigational history. The museum shares its neo-Manueline space in the Jerónimos Monastery with the National Museum of Archaeology. King Luís I, an avid oceanographer and skilled navigator, originally inspired the museum’s creation.
King Luís I’s Vision Comes to Life
King Luís I started collecting maritime artifacts in 1863 to preserve Portugal’s seafaring history. Over the years, this collection grew substantially. Finally, in 1963, the museum opened its doors in its current location.
A Peek Inside the Museum
Inside the museum, you’ll find a diverse range of exhibits. These include historical paintings, archaeological finds, and scale models of ships dating back to the 15th century. Additionally, the museum showcases navigation instruments, maps, and royal barges. It even features significant aircraft like the Fairey III “Santa Cruz,” which made an Atlantic crossing in 1923.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re interested in maritime history, you shouldn’t miss the Museu de Marinha. Easily accessible in the Belém district, the museum welcomes visitors and enriches Lisbon’s cultural landscape.
