The Design and Fashion Museum in the City of Lisbon is noted as being one of the most influential museums of its type in the world. Concentrating as it does, purely upon 20th century design; it is a museum without peer in Portugal. Anyone who has even a passing interest in modern design, trends and fashion, will enjoy a trip to the Lisbon Design and Fashion Museum.
The Design and Fashion Museum is known locally as MuDe, which is Portuguese for “change”, although visitors usually use its full name. The museum has a slightly troubled past. It was opened in 1999, and at that time it was housed in the Belem Cultural Centre. However, this venue was withdrawn from use in 2006, and the museum had to seek a new home, which took three years. In 2009 the museum reopened in its current location.
The new building is quite unique, and the local architects Ricardo Carvalho and Joana Vilhena have kept the original, unfinished state of the building. Most walls and supporting columns have been left as bare plaster and unpainted, forming a stark backdrop to the classic designs exhibited. The museum covers a floor area of approximately 14,000 square meters, so it is quite large and takes quite some time to explore fully.
The museum houses an entire range of modern design exhibits, covering clothing, furnishings, jewellery and glassware among others themes. Over 230 separate designers are featured, including many famous names such as Tom Dixon, Phillipe Starck, Arne Jacobsen and Vener Panton. Exhibits cover the era from 1937 to present day. In its entirety, the museum houses over 2,200 separate exhibits.
Highlights of the Design and Fashion Museum
The most recent addition of the entire fashion collection owned by Portuguese businessman Francisco Capelo is arguably the highlight of the museum. The collection contains over 1,200 exhibits, and includes the gown worn by Renee Zellweger at the 2001 Oscar Awards, designed by Jean Desses. The collection also includes the original Christian Dior New Look concept design from 1947. This collection is possibly the most complete fashion collection to be found in Europe.
The Design and Fashion Museum for Families
Although there is not much of interest within the Design and Fashion Museum to keep young children amused, teenagers and young adults may enjoy poking fun at the fashion trends of their parents and grandparents era.
The Design and Fashion Museum Opening Times
The Design and Fashion Museum is open from Tuesday through to Sunday. From 10am, and closes at 8pm Monday to Thursday and at 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Getting to the Design and Fashion Museum
The Design and Fashion Museum is located at:
R. Augusta, 24
1100-053 Lisboa
It is inside Lisbon's Pombaline Centre, and is clearly marked on every tourist guide map. If you have problems finding it, look for the Arch of Triumph and the museum is just to the north of this.
