Calouste Gulbenkian Museum: Tickets and Tours

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon serves as an epitome of eclectic artistry. It captures the diverse passions of its founder, Calouste Gulbenkian.

Nestled amid lush gardens in the bustling Portuguese capital, the museum offers an intimate experience with a curated selection of Western and Eastern art. Temporary installations also add to the already impressive permanent collection. You can see all this and more with your Calouste Gulbenkian tickets.

Here's all you need to know about the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, one of the most exciting museums in Lisbon.

What are the types and prices of Calouste Gulbenkian Museum tickets?

There are three different types of tickets available for the museum:

All-inclusive ticket:

An all-inclusive ticket includes both the permanent and all temporary exhibitions.

• Adults: €14 per person

Standard ticket:

The standard ticket includes the permanent collection plus some of the temporary exhibitions.

• Adults: €10 per person
• Seniors (over 65): €8.50 per person
• Youth (age 13-30): €5 per person
• Children (under 12): Free

Temporary Exhibition pack:

This ticket allows access to the temporary exhibits on show at the museum.

• Adults: €8 per person

Who is eligible for discounts?

Visitors under the age of 30 years receive a 30% discount, while people over 65 years qualify for a 15% discount. Children under 12 enter for free.

If you use a Lisbon Card or Circuitos Ciência Viva pass, tickets are 20% cheaper. A 10% discount is applied to Lisbon Sightseeing and City Sightseeing combos.

When can I visit for free?

You can visit the museum for free on Sundays after 2 PM. Minors up to the age of 12 years can also enter for free at all times, as can carers for people with special needs or limited mobility.

Why should I book in advance?

To avoid the queues, you can book your tickets online in advance. This is always advisable, as you will be guaranteed your ticket on the desired day of your visit. While you can purchase tickets at the office on the day, you may risk long queues, lost time, or not getting a ticket at all.

What are the best Calouste Gulbenkian Museum tours?

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum can be explored independently on your own or using the free audioguide available to download on your phone. This allows you to explore the museum at your own pace.

However, for a chance to fully appreciate the incredible privately-owned collection, you can join a 1-hour guided tour that is held every Monday by the museum in English.

Private groups and organized tour groups in other languages can also be accommodated by the museum with sufficient notice.

Details of tours, workshops, concerts and other activities suitable for adults, children, families, and people with special needs can be requested from the museum.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and other attractions?

Combo packages are a great way to save both time and money. Consider these types of tickets if you plan on making the most of your sightseeing time in Lisbon.

• Calouste Gulbenkian Museum plus Pena Palace tickets combo: Enjoy the creative culture of the city before venturing to Sintra and the enchanting Pena Palace.
• Calouste Gulbenkian Museum plus World of Banksy Immersive Art tickets combo: Experience two of Lisbon’s top artistic exhibitions, with visits to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and the immersive World of Banksy Art installment.
• Calouste Gulbenkian Museum plus 24-hour Lisbon hop-on hop-off bus tickets: A Lisbon hop-on hop-off bus ticket offers you the convenience of a guided tour and the freedom of independent sightseeing. Spend the day exploring the city and admire one of the best private art collections in the world at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.

What will I see inside?

Calouste Gulbenkian was an Armenian-British businessman, philanthropist, and art collector, and the museum was designed to accommodate his roughly 6,000 pieces of art that span over 5,000 years of history. Each gallery showcases creative works from various eras and regions.

Ancient Egyptian artifacts, Greco-Roman collections, Mesopotamian art, Eastern Islamic and Armenian art as well as European masterpieces by artists like Rembrandt and Turner each have their place among the vast collection.

Temporary installations and exhibits are also regularly accommodated in the museum, adding to the already expansive offering.

How do I get there?

The museum is situated within a 7.5 hectare garden and has its main entrance on Avenida de Berna. It can be reached by metro (blue and red line), bus or train.

Major city tours including hop-on hop-off bus tours include stops at the museum. If you are driving, you can park at Parque Berna or Praça de Espanha.

What are the opening hours?

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM daily, except on Tuesdays when it is closed. It is also closed on Jan. 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, and Dec. 24 and 25.

Last entry is at 5:30 PM.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Pathways and access routes have been designed to accommodate people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Tactile flooring, an audio tour, and a braille access guide are available to assist people with visual impairments.

There is an accessible bathroom, but you will need to request access from the attendant.

When is the best time to visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum?

The best time to visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is in the shoulder seasons of spring (May to June) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, you'll experience mild temperatures and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.

Try to visit early so you can spend as much time as possible seeing the artworks and enjoying the lush outdoor area.

Travel tips

• Check the museum's official website for current exhibitions or events ahead of your visit.
• The museum has a diverse collection, so you might want to allocate at least a few hours to explore it thoroughly.
• The Gulbenkian Gardens surrounding the museum are a serene space with beautiful landscaping, ponds, and areas to relax. They provide a pleasant break from the museum interiors and are ideal for a stroll or rest.
• As with any museum, there's a lot of walking involved. Wear comfortable shoes to ensure you can explore without discomfort.