MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
Lisboa
The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) in Lisbon is a dynamic cultural institution dedicated to contemporary art, architecture, and technology. Situated on the banks of the River Tagus in the historic Belém district, MAAT connects a modern architectural landmark designed by Amanda Levete Architects with the adjacent Tejo Power Station, a prime example of early 20th-century industrial architecture. The museum opened its renovated Tejo Power Station spaces in June 2016 and inaugurated its new building in October 2016 with a large-scale installation by French artist Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster. MAAT's exhibitions showcase national and international contemporary artists, architects, and thinkers, exploring current themes and trends. The museum features four main exhibition spaces within the new building: the Oval Gallery, the Main Gallery, the Video Room, and the Project Room, offering versatile venues for installations, video art, and special projects. The former Tejo Power Station, once Lisbon's main electricity provider, now houses permanent and temporary exhibitions highlighting the history and future of energy, combining industrial archaeology with cultural events. MAAT plays a vital role in Lisbon's cultural landscape, fostering critical dialogue and discovery while offering a scenic riverside setting and architectural innovation. It is part of the EDP Foundation and stands as a landmark for multidisciplinary contemporary culture in Portugal.
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Tip: Visit MAAT during weekdays or early in the day to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the exhibitions. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during special exhibitions or events. Check the official website for current exhibitions and guided tours, which enrich the experience. Visitors may benefit from discounts with cultural cards or for groups and students. The museum is accessible by public transport and offers a scenic riverside location ideal for combining with nearby Belém landmarks.
Interesting facts
- •MAAT's new building is designed by renowned British architect Amanda Levete and is considered one of Europe's most lyrical contemporary museums.
- •The museum integrates the historic Tejo Power Station, which powered Lisbon for over 40 years, blending industrial heritage with contemporary culture.
- •MAAT hosted the Eurovision Song Contest's Blue Carpet event in 2018, showcasing its prominence as a cultural venue.
- •The museum's rooftop offers panoramic views of the River Tagus and the city of Lisbon, attracting visitors beyond the exhibitions.
- •The interior features versatile exhibition spaces including the Oval Gallery, which follows a curved path inside the building, providing a unique visitor experience.
History
MAAT's origins trace back to the 1990 inauguration of the Central Tejo as the Museum of Electricity, housed in a historic power plant that illuminated Lisbon for over four decades.
The Central Tejo building is a key example of early 20th-century industrial architecture in Portugal and was declared a Property of Public Interest.
In 2016, the new MAAT building, designed by Amanda Levete Architects, opened to the public, expanding the museum's mission to include contemporary art and architecture alongside technology.
This fusion of old and new structures reflects Lisbon's evolving cultural identity and urban development along the Tagus River.
Since its opening, MAAT has hosted numerous international exhibitions and cultural events, solidifying its role as a modern cultural hub.
Place Guide
Oval Gallery2016
The Oval Gallery is the first exhibition space encountered inside MAAT's new building, offering around 800 square meters of curved exhibition area that guides visitors through contemporary art installations and special projects.
Main Gallery2016
Located on the lowest floor, the Main Gallery is a versatile space of approximately 1,000 square meters that can be configured as a single large hall or divided into smaller exhibition areas, hosting major contemporary art exhibitions.
Video Room and Project Room2016
These two specialized rooms are dedicated to video art, film projects, and installations, providing intimate settings for experimental and media-based artworks.
Central Tejo (Old Power Station)Early 20th century (building), 1990 (museum opening)
The Central Tejo is the historical core of the museum complex, a former thermoelectric power plant that supplied electricity to Lisbon for decades. It now functions as a museum space showcasing the history of energy production and industrial archaeology, alongside cultural events and exhibitions.
Riverside Garden
Connecting the new MAAT building and the Central Tejo, the garden was designed by landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic, offering visitors a tranquil outdoor space with views of the Tagus River.
Contact
Phone: 21 002 8130
