Museum of Design

Lisbon’s dedicated design museum, Museum of Design and Fashion (Museu do Design e da Moda - MUDE) has canvassed the world to bring together hundreds of items from the 20th century. See clothing, furniture and technology that shaped trends in fashion and design.

Even the building itself is an example of good design. The eight-storey structure is at the heart of the Pombaline Centre and is housed within the walls of a former bank. Its raw, weathered exterior, cement walls and towering columns and ceiling create the perfect setting for more than 2,000 items within the museum.

You’ll need a few hours to see everything at the Museum of Design and Fashion. Follow the chronological displays that lead you through 1930s art deco all the way through to the latest movements in design and fashion.

Walk through the fashion collection to see iconic pieces by a diverse range of designers that include Pierre Balmain, Christobal Balenciaga and Spanish designer Paco Rabanne. Francisco Capelo, a local businessman, donated many of the items within the museum. His donation of 1,200 couture outfits included a vintage yellow Jean Dessès gown that was worn by American actress Renee Zellweger at the Oscars in 2001.

Many of the haute couture items in the fashion collection are made by hand. Get close to each piece to see the intricate detailing completed by some of the world’s most talented tailors.

The design collection includes more than 230 world-renowned designers from the fields of furniture, jewellery and glasswork. Look for pieces from Charles Eames, Phillipe Starck, Tom Dixon and George Nelson, some of which date back to 1937.

Find the Museum of Design and Fashion in the popular Baixa neighbourhood in central Lisbon. The museum is surrounded by restaurants, bars and shopping strips. Reach the museum on foot from most parts of central Lisbon or catch the train or bus to reach it from further out in the city. The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is free.