Portuguese Cinematheque - Cinema Museum

Location

The Cinemateca Portuguesa is located in the São Mamede area of Lisbon, in an area distinguished by its calm and elegant atmosphere. It is situated on Rua Barata Salgueiro, a discreet street that crosses the bustling Avenida da Liberdade, placing it at a central point in the city, with a pleasant urban environment.

A Central Cultural Role

This institution is the national body responsible for the preservation and dissemination of cinematographic art. Its main mission is to safeguard film heritage, with special attention to the vast Portuguese production, and make it accessible to the public. It functions as a living archive and a point of reference for the history of the seventh art in Portugal.

Spaces to Discover Cinema

Upon visiting the Cinemateca, tourists have the opportunity to delve into the world of cinema in various ways. The venue features several screening rooms, where film series and retrospectives covering the history of world and national cinema are presented, including, at certain times of the year, outdoor screenings. In addition to the screenings, there is a museum space, known as 39 Degraus (39 Steps), dedicated to temporary exhibitions that explore different aspects of cinematographic art. The institution also features a library where a vast collection of books and documents on cinema can be consulted, and a bookstore with publications from the field.

Brief Historical Notes

The Cinemateca's origin dates back to 1948, then under the name Cinemateca Nacional (National Cinematheque). The current premises, located on Rua Barata Salgueiro, were established starting in 1979, in a building that was originally a residence. This space was adapted and, subsequently, underwent significant refurbishment works in the early 2000s. This renovation allowed for the creation of the current screening rooms and the museum space, shaping the venue that today preserves and showcases the history of cinema in Portugal.