Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Alfama
The Fado Museum is nestled in the heart of the historic Alfama district, one of Lisbon's oldest and most emblematic areas. This neighborhood, with its winding alleys and traditional atmosphere, is intrinsically linked to the history and soul of Fado. The museum's location in this authentic setting offers visitors a natural immersion into the environment where this song was born and developed.
Dedicated to the world of Fado and the Portuguese guitar, this museum is committed to preserving and disseminating Lisbon's urban song. Fado is one of Portugal's most important artistic expressions, having been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011. The museum undertakes the fundamental mission of deepening knowledge about this constantly evolving musical form and celebrating its central role in Portuguese cultural identity.
As visitors explore the museum's different areas, they are invited on a journey through the history of Fado, from its origins in the popular contexts of 19th-century Lisbon to the present day. It is possible to discover the technical and artistic evolution of the Portuguese guitar, experience the typical atmosphere of the fado houses that shaped the city's life, and follow the artistic and biographical paths of many of the personalities who built this musical universe. Interactive stations and audio guides allow listeners to hear dozens of fados and deepen their understanding of this unique art form.
The Fado Museum's collection brings together a vast array of objects that bear witness to the history and evolution of this cultural expression. Among them are musical instruments, original scores, records, trophies, stage costumes, and other documents and memorabilia from countless artists, performers, authors, composers, and musicians. Also noteworthy are works of plastic arts, including the celebrated painting "O Fado" by José Malhoa, which illustrate society's relationship with this music over time. This heritage continues to grow thanks to the contributions of many personalities linked to Fado.
The building housing the Fado Museum has its own remarkable history, predating its current cultural function. It is a former Water Pumping Station, whose construction began in 1868. It was conceived as an important engineering work to solve supply problems in the Alfama area. This example of 19th-century Lisbon equipment architecture was later adapted and rehabilitated to host the museum, in an intervention that respected its original design and gave it new life as a center dedicated to the memory and celebration of Fado.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7111258,-9.127616
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'40.1"N 09°07'39.4"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
