National Museum of Costume

The National Museum of Costume is a fashion museum in Lumiar located within a palace complex that displays clothing and accessories spanning multiple centuries. The collection ranges from older garments to modern examples and documents how textile production and dress styles have developed over time.

The museum was founded in 1977 and was part of a broader national program to preserve and document Portuguese textile history. This initiative grew from a desire to safeguard the development of clothing and fashion as an important part of the country's cultural heritage.

The collection shows how Portuguese dress and fashion changed over centuries and what role clothing played in daily life. Visitors can see how ordinary people dressed and how their ideas about style and elegance evolved.

The museum is located on grounds with a botanical garden, so plan time for both areas and wear comfortable shoes for walking. The outdoor spaces are open to explore on foot, while the indoor museum areas are climate-controlled and have various sections to browse.

The grounds were once a private palace and later transformed into a public space that weaves together history and nature in a single location. This transformation allows visitors to explore both art collections and gardens in one visit.

Location: Lumiar

Inception: 1977

Official opening: 1977

Part of: Paço do Lumiar

Website: http://museudotraje.gov.pt

GPS coordinates: 38.77516,-9.16498

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:02