The Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian was inaugurated again in Lisbon on September 21 after being included in ArchDaily’s “Buildings of the Year.” The institution houses the biggest permanent art collection in Portugal within a structure crafted by architect Kengo Kuma, seamlessly blending contemporary design with natural elements.
The Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian has resumed operations following an extensive refurbishment project. Now renovated, expanded, and integrated with the city, it stands as one of the globe’s most stunning cultural structures. This transformation is largely attributed to architect Kengo Kuma.
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One museum, two histories
The Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian, known as CAM for short, made its debut in 1983 with guidance from renowned British architect Sir Leslie Martin. Its initial aim was to showcase an exemplary assortment of modern and contemporary Portuguese artwork. Four decades later, this Lisbon-based establishment is experiencing a revival thanks to various initiatives and developments.
Kengo Kuma
, which now signifies a pivotal moment in the museum’s architectural evolution.
Kengo Kuma comes to Lisbon
For his very first project in Portugal, Kengo Kuma had more ambition than a simple makeover. He redefined the relationship between the building, the city and the surrounding nature. The architecture is inspired by the Japanese concept of
engawa
Upon entering, you’ll be captivated by the impressive ceiling: a span of 100 meters adorned with meticulously crafted white Portuguese tiles that shimmer in the light and mirror the adjacent greenery. The underbelly made from ash wood offers a cool, shadowed ambiance, ideal for socializing and exploring. This blend of materials represents an intersection of Portuguese and Japanese heritage, highlighting their mutual appreciation for skilled artistry and natural beauty.
The museum’s core artistic essence
The core of the CAM consists of approximately 12,000 works, encompassing every field ranging from the early stages.
th
from the century to today. This encompasses creations by Helena Almeida, Paula Rego, and Vieira da Silva, alongside international creators like Robert Delaunay,
David Hockney
And Bridget Riley. The redesigned structure lets you experience these pieces from various perspectives, thanks to enhanced display areas: abundant natural light streams in, the exhibit halls extend outward to connect with the gardens, and there are fresh pathways for navigating the collection differently. Below the engawa, an extra gallery has been added to house additional artworks.
A renewed garden
Redesigned by Lebanese landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic, the park stretches southward into a lush, easily navigable urban woodland filled with trails, open spaces, and dappled sunlight that beckons exploration. The museum seamlessly connects to the cityscape, enticing guests not only to view artwork but also to take leisurely walks. Nature and art coexist harmoniously here, influenced by both seasonal changes and current exhibits. In this setting, strolling through the grounds forms an essential component of engaging with the artworks.
Concrete eco-sustainable practices
This continuous conversation with nature extends beyond the park boundaries into the museum’s green policies. The CAM has become part of the Gallery Climate Coalition and continually adds further environmentally friendly initiatives such as optimizing energy use, establishing shorter supply chains, and obtaining ISO certifications. Even the
A Mesa do Cam
The restaurant opted for locally sourced ingredients, utilizing an on-site vegetable garden along with products from collaborating suppliers. Modern artwork is now integrated with ecological stewardship and constant innovation in daily practices.
Creating a 21
st
century museum
The open architectural concept, aimed at erasing the distinctions between internal and external spaces, seamlessly aligns with CAM’s transparent approach. Through initiatives like the Open Storage and Viewing Room projects, the museum encourages visitors to delve into storage areas, observe curatorial processes, and uncover seldom-displayed pieces within environments tailored for examination, study, and casual presentations. These features will be accessible starting spring 2025.
Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian
Marques de Fronteira Street 2
1050-078 Lisbon
Portugal
Open every day except Tuesday, from 10am to 6pm (9pm on Saturday)
+351 21 782 3000
