In 1911, the Portuguese government decided to split the National Museum of Fine Arts into a museum covering art running back to ancient times and a museum covering contemporary art. The two museums became respectively the National Museum of Ancient Art (NMAA) and the National Museum of Contemporary Art (NMCA). 1850 was selected as the dividing line between the two museums.

The contemporary art museum was plagued in its early years by a prejudice against artists and art movements that were deemed too liberal or progressive. This attitude led the museum to refrain from collecting contemporary works by some modernist artists. With the general liberalization of Portugesse society, this attitude has changed and the museum has made acquisitions in order to fill the gaps created in the collection by the earlier prejudice. It has also developed a program of temporary exhibitions that can be used to present art not covered by the permanent collection.

Another problem that the NMCA has faced is a lack of space. When the Museum of Fine Art was split in 1911, the NMAA kept the placial building that had been the home of the existing museum. The contemporary art museum was given space in the historic Convent of Sao Francisco in the Chiado district. It soon became apparent that this space was insufficient to show the entire collection. Accordingly, the museum has expanded into some of the adjoining buildings. In 1994, an extensive renovation was carried out to increase space and to remedy deterioration. Also, the permanent collection is presented on a rotating basis.

The focus of the collection is Portuguese contemporary art but there are works by artists from other countries. In addition, the museum presents works by lesser-known artists as well as works by more popular artists inasmuch as popularity is not always a gauge of artistic merit. The museum also has a vigorous online program as well as classes, presentations and round tables to reach out to a broad community.

Located in the Chiado District, the NMCA is not far as the crow flies from Lisbon's main square. However, the winding narrow streets can make finding the museum a challenge. Once inside, the museum is a combination of the old and the new. For example, just within the main entrance is a cavernous atrium with 19th century ovens (a vestige of the time the building was a commercial establishment) built into the ancient brick walls. A set of stairs leads up to a series of modern floating walkways with exhibits. A neo-classical stone stairway leads to the museum's exit.

For more information on visiting, see the NMCA's website.

Places to see art ​ - National Museum of Contemporary Art - Lisbon, Portugal