Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Santo Estêvão
The Lisbon Military Museum is located in the Santo Estêvão area, in Lisbon. It is situated in Largo dos Caminhos de Ferro, directly opposite Santa Apolónia Station. Its position in the city's riverside area means that the building faces the Tagus River.
This museum possesses a vast and valuable collection that documents Portuguese military history over several centuries. Its organization dates back to the mid-19th century, having evolved from the former Royal Army Arsenal. Inside, visitors will find a wide variety of weapons, from the oldest to artillery pieces that are internationally recognized for their completeness and artistic detail. The collections also include uniforms, equipment, and historical documents that help narrate part of the country's military history.
The paths through the rooms allow visitors to explore different eras and themes. Highlighted areas include those dedicated to the evolution of weaponry from ancient times, or to Portuguese participation in World War I. The Vasco da Gama Room features ancient cannons and murals that evoke the discovery of the sea route to India. The museum also houses unique pieces, such as a sword believed to have belonged to King D. João I, and an extensive collection of military miniatures.
The building that houses the museum is, in itself, an element of historical and architectural interest. It incorporates parts of the old Royal Arsenal and features notable characteristics, such as the monumental portico at the main entrance, which withstood the 1755 earthquake. The eastern facade is marked by an imposing pediment with a sculptural group.
Inside, the decoration of the rooms has been enriched over time with works by prominent Portuguese artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum houses an important painting collection, with works by recognized names such as Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, José Malhoa, and Carlos Reis. There is also a sculpture collection. One of the highlights is the Cannon Courtyard (Pátio dos Canhões), where, in addition to artillery pieces, there are tile panels which, due to their richness and artistic detail, serve as a visual chronicle of fundamental moments in Portugal's history.
Among the spaces that deserve attention is the Plaster Cast Room (Sala dos Gessos). This room gathers plaster molds that were used for the creation of statues of Portuguese historical figures. One of the molds on display is that used for the equestrian statue of King D. José I, a central piece in Lisbon's Praça do Comércio. Another peculiar object is the cart that was used to transport the large columns of the Rua Augusta Arch, visible in the section dedicated to Portuguese artillery.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7129786,-9.1266192
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'46.7"N 09°07'35.8"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
