MAAT: Art and Technology in Belém

2019 marks the 3rd year since the opening of the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology in Belém. MAAT, as it is called, has since its inception housed many of Lisbon’s best exhibitions, from a plethora of national and international artists! Focused on contemporary, interactive, and technology-based works, aims at sparking a dialogue and exchange ideas critical to our day and age.

MAAT is an architectural marvel

One of the things that makes MAAT so hard to miss is the slick and modern architectural look. When walking through the calm Alcântara seaside walkway is always a joy when you start seeing on the horizon this magnificent wavy building. The newer building is also partnered with a much older one, the Central Tejo, or Museu da Electricidade. This old thermoelectrical power plant, built in the early 1900s, has since the 90’s been used as a museum, with rotating and temporary exhibitions. It now belongs to MAAT, as sort of a partnering exhibition hall, and the two combined make MAAT one of the largest museums in Lisbon.

Besides the museums, you can also enjoy it as a viewpoint. The new building is built a sort of like a hill, which you can walk up to the top, and at the top, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the river, the bridge, the southern coast, and the Belém skyline.

Near Belém

Belém is right around the corner, so if you are already done with the museums, and still want to see more art and culture, then you have the National Coach Museum, or the National Archeology Museum (in Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), or the Berardo Collection in CCB, or many more! In addition, you can find beautiful gardens and typical restaurants all around!