Category: Civil Architecture > Building
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Prazeres
This building is strategically located on Avenida de Brasília, in the vibrant area of Alcântara, in Lisbon. Its riverside location offers a dynamic atmosphere, framed by its proximity to the Tagus River estuary, providing expansive views and a unique backdrop of the city and the river.
The history of this imposing building dates back to the early 1940s, when it was designed by the architect João Simões Antunes to function as the Codfish Cold Storage Warehouse. For decades, its robust structure served the national economy, acting as a pivotal point for the storage of codfish, a food of great importance to Portuguese culture.
In 1992, the building ceased its original function, marking the beginning of a remarkable transformation. Following an extensive renovation project, it was inaugurated on May 8, 2008, as the Orient Museum, giving it a new life and a new cultural purpose in Lisbon's landscape.
The architecture of the Pedro Álvares Cabral Building reflects its original port function, featuring a large scale and volume. The structure rises six stories high, with a markedly simple design and few windows, a functional feature intended to maintain the proper temperature for the preservation of the products stored there.
Beyond its practical robustness, the building features distinctive artistic elements. On the north façade, two bas-reliefs by the sculptor Barata Feyo can be admired, which add an artistic touch to its monumentality. Its architectural and historical significance was recognized in 2010, when it was classified as a Monument of Public Interest.
Currently under the management of the Fundação Oriente, the museum houses invaluable collections that explore the relationship between Portugal and the Orient. One of the most significant collections focuses on the Portuguese Presence in Asia, displaying a wide range of artistic and documentary objects. Highlights include Chinese and Japanese folding screens, porcelain from different eras and origins, and precious pieces of Namban art, which illustrate the cultural and artistic exchange between the West and the East.
Additionally, the museum boasts the remarkable Kwok On Collection, which comprises over fifteen thousand artifacts dedicated to Asian performing arts and religious traditions. This diverse collection includes costumes, puppets, masks, and musical instruments, offering a unique window into the richness of the cultural and spiritual expressions of various Asian regions.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museu_do_Oriente
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.70303679891392,-9.169856652663928
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'10.9"N 09°10'11.5"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
