National Museum of Costume, Fashion museum in Lumiar, Portugal.
The National Museum of Costume is a fashion museum in Lumiar, housed within a historic palace complex with garden grounds in Lisbon. It displays clothing and accessories from the 17th century to the present day, arranged in themed indoor rooms.
The museum opened in 1977, when the Portuguese government began to protect textiles and clothing as part of the national heritage. The Monteiro-Mor palace that houses it once belonged to an aristocratic family and was acquired by the state in the 20th century.
The collection shows how clothing in Portugal shifted from everyday wear to ceremonial dress, making that change visible and tangible for visitors. The differences between working clothes and festive garments from different regions of the country stand out clearly.
The complex includes both indoor rooms and a botanical garden, so wearing comfortable shoes and allowing enough time for both areas is a good idea. The garden and the museum halls are separate spaces that work well as a combined visit.
The same park grounds also host the Theatre Museum, meaning two national museums can be visited in a single outing. This pairing is rare in Portugal and is often overlooked by first-time visitors.
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