The Armando Martins Museum of Contemporary Art (MACAM for short) opened in the Alcântara-Belém Art District of Lisbon on March 22, 2025 with 215 works of art from a 600+ collection. The museum hosts the private collection of Armando Martins who bought his first original piece in 1974 and has purchased art from the 19th century until today. Unlike all other art museums in the city, MACAM is both a hotel and an art museum, another jewel in the crown of Lisbon’s art scene, which now boasts the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology), the Cordoaria Nacional, the B-Mad Art Deco Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art – MAC/CCB in Belém. For art lovers, the Alcântara-Belém district is the artistic heart of the city.
History
Although Armando Martins had been collecting art since the age of 18, he only exhibited the first selection of his works in 2016 in the historic Palácio do Correio Mar. The event positioned Martins as an important cultural ambassador committed to sharing his art with the public and enriching the cultural landscape. In 2018, Martins received an award recognizing his vision and commitment to making his art collection public. Work began on the refurbishment of the Condes da Ribeira Grande Palace, and the new building behind it in 2021 by the Portuguese architecture studio MetroUrbe to create the MACAM Museum Hotel, the first of its kind in Europe.
In 2024, the three-dimensional tile façade of MACAM’s new wing was honored with an international award celebrating excellence and innovation in architectural surface design.
On March 22, 2025, the MACAM opened to the public, bringing 2,000 more meters of exhibition space to the city of Lisbon.
Art and Architecture
Major figures in the Portuguese art world such as Julião Sarmento, Paula Rego, José Malhoa, and Amadeo Souza-Cardoso can be seen in Gallery 1 as part of the permanent exhibition spread across multiple rooms to the left of the lobby. The permanent contemporary collection with artists from around the world can be found across the reception area in Gallery 2. The second gallery is much more modern and includes short films, photographs, and sculptures.
After walking past the reception and gift shop between Galleries 1 and 2, you will go up a flight of stairs to enter the outside courtyard area that leads to the temporary art exhibitions spaces known as Galleries 3 and 4 in addition to a café and restaurant on the right-hand side. Gallery 3 is on the ground floor of the building beyond the courtyard, and Gallery 4 is on the second floor.
We recommend buying the ticket for all four galleries (see the difference in pricing below). Don’t miss the chapel bar to the right side as you exit the main entrance of the building (to the left side if you are looking at the museum).
Our personal favorite is Gallery 1 because it showcases traditional Portuguese art and its great variety. The wall of surrealist painters was our favorite along with the skeletons (you’ll know them when you see them). The view from the entrance to Gallery 4 looking back at the April 25 Bridge and the courtyard is spectacular.
Stay at MACAM
The 5-star MACAM Hotel has unique and original works from the collection of Armando Martins collection in each of the 64 rooms. The old Library, the central room of the former palace, is now the focal point for guests to meet. Hotel rates start at €395 per night and can be booked here.
Getting There
MACAM is located at Rua da Junqueira 66. It is open from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Wednesday-Mondays and closed on Tuesdays.
You can reach MACAM by Tram 15E, Buses 714, 727, 728, 732, and 751, or taxi. It is on the route to Belém coming from the center of the city.
Times and Tickets
At MACAM, a full ticket that covers all exhibitions costs €15 for adults, while full tickets are €7.50 for youngsters aged 13 to 18, students under 25, seniors aged 65 and over, and unemployed visitors. Children under 12 are free of charge. For visitors only interested in temporary exhibitions, prices are €10 for adults and €5 for children, students, seniors, and unemployed visitors. You can purchase tickets online here.
MACAM has free admission every first Sunday of the month between 10 am and 2 pm.
