iMuseu do Fado
Opened in 1998 in a former pumping station of Lisbon's water supply on Largo do Chafariz de Dentro, the Fado Museum tells the story of fado from its 19th-century origins in Lisbon to today. The interactive permanent exhibition covers fado on stage, radio, film and TV, the evolution of the Portuguese guitar, the atmosphere of the fado houses and the lives of hundreds of performers, with listening stations throughout. Paintings such as José Malhoa's O Fado hang among instruments, costumes, scores and trophies, and the museum also runs a sound archive, a documentation centre and a school of Portuguese guitar.
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What's On
Permanent Collections
O Fado by José Malhoa
Malhoa's emblematic 1910 painting of a guitarist and his listener in a humble Lisbon room, on loan from the Museu de Lisboa: fado's defining image.
Permanent Exhibition: The History of Fado
Interactive journey through fado from 19th-century Lisbon to today: the Portuguese guitar, fado houses, radio and film, and hundreds of performers.
Plan Your Visit
Getting there
Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 1, 1100-139 Lisboa, Portugal
Nearest station: Santa Apolónia (Metro Blue line, CP trains) and Terreiro do Paço (Metro Blue line)
Show on mapHours
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | 10:00–18:00 |
| Wed | 10:00–18:00 |
| Thu | 10:00–18:00 |
| Fri | 10:00–18:00 |
| SatToday | 10:00–18:00 |
| Sun | 10:00–18:00 |
Admission
From €5
EUR 2.50 ages 13-25; EUR 4 seniors 65+; free for children up to 12, Lisboa Card holders, and Lisbon residents on Sundays and holidays until 14:00.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible; two manual wheelchairs available on free loan; audio guides in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish, including a children's version.
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Visitor Information
- How much does Museu do Fado cost?
- Standard adult admission to Museu do Fado is €5. EUR 2.50 ages 13-25; EUR 4 seniors 65+; free for children up to 12, Lisboa Card holders, and Lisbon residents on Sundays and holidays until 14:00.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
- What are the opening hours of Museu do Fado?
- Museu do Fado is open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30); closed Mondays and on 1 January, 1 May, 24, 25 and 31 December.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is Museu do Fado?
- Museu do Fado is located at Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 1, 1100-139 Lisboa, Portugal, in the Alfama area of Lisbon. The nearest stations are Santa Apolónia (Metro Blue line, CP trains) and Terreiro do Paço (Metro Blue line).
- What can I see at Museu do Fado?
- Alfama museum of Lisbon's soulful song, UNESCO heritage: Portuguese guitars, fadista legends and hours of recordings to hear. Current highlights include O Fado by José Malhoa and Permanent Exhibition: The History of Fado.
- Do I need to book Museu do Fado in advance?
- Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
- When is the best time to visit Museu do Fado?
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
- Is Museu do Fado accessible?
- Wheelchair accessible; two manual wheelchairs available on free loan; audio guides in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish, including a children's version.
Image credits
6
- Museu do FadoTxemari (Navarra), Wikimedia Commons, CC0
- O Fado by José MalhoaJosé Malhoa, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
- Permanent Exhibition: The History of FadoJosé Frade / EGEAC
- Museu do Aljube – Resistência e LiberdadeHipersyl / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- MUDE – Museu do DesignDiogoBaptista / Wikimedia Commons, CC0
- MNAC – Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea do ChiadoHipersyl / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0