Opened in 2016 on the Belém riverfront, MAAT's undulating white-tiled building was designed by Amanda Levete to curve along the Tagus like a wave, and its roof doubles as a public walkway offering river views without needing a ticket. Inside, exhibitions rotate through contemporary art, architecture, and technology themes rather than holding a fixed permanent collection. It sits next to the old Central Tejo power station, whose industrial turbine halls are now part of the museum complex.
MAAT, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, sits on the Belém riverfront beside the former Central Tejo power station, with a striking undulating white building completed in 2016 whose curved roof doubles as a public walkway offering views over the Tagus and back toward the 25 de Abril bridge. Exhibitions rotate across contemporary art, architecture, and technology themes inside the main gallery, while the adjoining former power station retains its early 20th-century turbines and machinery as a permanent industrial-heritage display. A full visit covering both the new building and the power station typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, with an additional 15 to 20 minutes to walk the rooftop. The rooftop is the best vantage point for photographs of both the river and the building's own sculptural form, and is at its most striking around sunset. Weekday afternoons are quieter than weekends, when the riverside promenade outside draws larger crowds of walkers and cyclists alongside museum visitors.
| Admission | Adult €11 ($11.90) · Child Free under 12 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Wednesday–Monday 11:00–19:00; closed Tuesday |
| Typical visit | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday afternoons; walk the rooftop for Tagus views |
| Getting there | Tram 15E to Belém or Altinho stop; Bus 728 |
| Address | Av. Brasília, Central Tejo, 1300-598 Lisboa |
Location
Av. Brasília, Central Tejo, 1300-598 Lisboa
38.6991, -9.1983 View on map
Highlights
- Undulating rooftop walkway with Tagus river views
- Former Central Tejo power station turbine hall
- Rotating contemporary art and architecture exhibitions
- Riverside setting near Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery
- Sunset views from the roof toward the 25 de Abril bridge
Tips for visiting
- Walk the rooftop even without buying a ticket to the galleries, as it is a public walkway
- Visit in the late afternoon for the best light for photos from the roof
- Combine with a walk along the Belém riverfront to Jerónimos Monastery, about 15 minutes away
- The power station section is included in the same ticket as the main gallery
- Weekday afternoons are quieter than weekend riverside crowds
When to visit
Late afternoon into sunset gives the best light for the riverfront and rooftop views.
Accessibility
The main building is fully wheelchair accessible with lifts, and the rooftop walkway has a gently sloped accessible route.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to MAAT take?
About 1.5 to 2 hours for both buildings, plus extra time to walk the rooftop.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is allowed throughout the building and rooftop, though some temporary exhibitions may restrict it.
Is it worth it for kids?
The industrial machinery in the power station and the rooftop walkway tend to appeal to children more than the rotating contemporary art exhibitions.