Museum of Ancient Art Closes European Painting Gallery for Renovations
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Loading... - Chenzira Ayman
- 05 Feb 2025
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The National Museum of Ancient Art (MNAA) in Lisbon has announced that it will close its European Painting Gallery for renovations starting March 3, with plans to reopen in May 2026. This initiative is part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) aimed at enhancing the museum's facilities.
During the renovation period, all other galleries and rooms will remain open to the public, including the European Decorative Arts rooms, the Textiles Gallery, the Mezzanine Room, the Portuguese Nativity Scene Rooms, the Furniture Gallery, the Expansion Arts rooms, the Jewellery and Goldsmithing section, the Ceramics Rooms, and the Portuguese Painting and Sculpture Gallery. Additionally, the museum's restaurant and garden will continue to welcome visitors.
A museum representative confirmed that the collection currently displayed in the European Painting Gallery, which features works by renowned artists such as Hieronymus Bosch, Piero della Francesca, Albrecht Dürer, and Lucas Cranach, will be kept in reserve during the renovation works.
According to the Mais Transparência portal, a total of 4.97 million euros has been allocated for the MNAA's interventions in 2024 as part of the RRP. The renovation project includes the conservation and improvement of the north façade, rehabilitation and remodeling of the roofs of the former Alvor Palace wing, and the completion of the restoration of the Capela das Albertas.
Founded in 1884, the MNAA houses approximately 40,000 pieces, making it the most significant public collection of painting, sculpture, and decorative arts in Portugal, spanning from the 12th century to the 19th century. The museum is particularly noted for its extensive collection of works classified as "national treasures," including the Panels of São Vicente by Nuno Gonçalves, a masterpiece of 15th-century European painting.
