National Costume Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Paço do Lumiar

Location

The National Museum of Costume is located in the Paço do Lumiar area, in Lisbon. This historic site corresponds to a vast property that, in the 18th century, served as a leisure estate. Its location offers a greener and more open environment within the urban fabric, preserving its former character and providing a space of tranquility for visitors.

The Palace and its History

The headquarters of the National Museum of Costume is located in the Angeja-Palmela Palace, a building dating back to the 18th century. Originally built for the Marquis of Angeja, the palace was later acquired by the Duke of Palmela, who added elements such as the neo-Gothic pavilion, formerly the House of Birds. The palace was integrated into the Portuguese State's heritage in 1975. Its 18th-century architecture, with possible Pombaline influences, is revealed in elements such as the galilée at the entrance, the marble staircase with its ceiling medallion, and the 'noble floor'.

Inside, notable details include the ornate ceilings, decorative stuccos with nature themes, and ornamental paintings, including chinoiseries and frescoes. 18th-century tiles, from the Fábrica do Rato, adorn various areas, and the chapel offers an interesting example of the stylistic transition of the era.

Costume and Textile Collections

The National Museum of Costume houses a vast collection dedicated to apparel and its accessories. This collection spans from the 18th century to the present day, bringing together pieces of civil costume from both Portugal and other countries. The collections showcase the evolution of dress, with particular emphasis on aristocratic and bourgeois attire, complemented by children's costumes, underwear, and a wide variety of accessories such as fans, shoes, and hats. It also includes textiles such as fabrics, embroidery, and lace.

It is important to note that, due to renovation works on the palace building, the museum's collections are currently temporarily inaccessible to the public for preparation and reconditioning.

The Botanical Park

An essential part of a visit to this site is the Monteiro-Mor Botanical Park, which occupies about 11 hectares of the property. Originally designed in the 18th century as a botanical garden for the Marquis of Angeja, and later enriched by the Dukes of Palmela, this park is a genuine example of Lisbon's leisure estates. Walking along its paths allows visitors to discover lakes, landscaped areas, orchards, and wooded sections.

The park houses a remarkable diversity of botanical species, including monumental trees over 150 years old, such as the first Araucaria planted in mainland Portugal. In addition to the flora, it is possible to observe birds and, less visibly, a colony of bats inhabits the palace's underground areas. The park also features a sculpture garden, adding art to the natural landscape. Contrary to the museum building, the Monteiro-Mor Botanical Park remains open and accessible.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt