Lisbon Museu a Special Gift from Gulbenkian

The Gulbenkian, widely considered Lisbon's best art museum, was named for an Armenian entrepreneur who was successful in the oil markets in Turkey, Iran and other places in the Middle East in the early 1900s. He used his fortune to amass an impressive collection of art in a wide variety of styles. Gulbenkian collected art from the Greek Roman and Egyptian empires, the Asian dynasties and the European art movements throughout history.

Lisbon then became Gulbenkian's central focus and the city profited greatly from this relationship, not in the least through the amazing Museu Calouste Gulbenkian. The quality of the works in this museum more than makes up for its smaller size in area.

The Egyptian collection includes a well preserved bowl that is more than 6000 years old and a rather famous golden mummy mask. There are Greek and Roman examples of statues and coins, rivaling the world renowned Getty museum in this area.

The museum then follows the time line toward more modern works from the 18th century, including works like "Views of Venice" by Francesco Guardi and paintings from Canaletto. Rembrandt and Rubens are also well represented, including the rarely acknowledged Pallas Athene by Rembrant and Rubens' Portrait of Helene Fourment. Monet and Renoir complete the awesome French Impressionism collection.

The sculpture "The Diana" by Houden is on display here, next to the fabulous "Blessings" by famed artist Rodin. There are also pieces of furniture so exquisite and rare they are also considered pieces of art. There are many representative pieces of Spanish and Italian ceramics in the Gulbenkian as well.

Textiles are well represented from the 19th century in the Gulbenkian's modern section. One may also find beautiful examples from the exquisite jewelry created during the Art Nouveau period. The also very famous Lalique jewelry and glass that was given to the Gulbenkian by the artist because of his personal friendship with the man for whom it is named is also on display here. The famous and original "Dragonfly" is here to be seen as well.

The museum is also well festooned by beautiful garden filled with beautiful flora and fauna representative of the natural species in the area. The sea air also usually very well scented here, and for a fantastic view of the whole thing, visit the museum's caf balcony. You will be very glad that you did. It is breathtaking.

Because of the love that Gulbenkian felt for Lisbon, the town was the very lucky recipient of a lasting treasure. The enduring gift of this museum is able to encourages many others to visit and appreciate the city that Gulbenkian loved so well.