Museu da Marioneta, Puppet museum in Madragoa, Portugal
The Museu da Marioneta is housed in a former convent building and holds more than 1000 puppets, masks, props, and stage equipment from countries around the world. The collection displays how different cultures crafted and performed puppet theater across centuries, with pieces ranging from small hand-held figures to elaborate mechanical devices.
The museum was founded in 1987 by the Companhia de Marionatas de São Lourenço and moved to the Convento das Bernardas, a building constructed in 1653 during King João IV's reign. This relocation connected the puppet collection with centuries of convent history, placing the theatrical tradition within the architectural heritage of Lisbon's old city center.
The collection brings together traditional Portuguese hand puppets alongside examples from India, China, Africa, and Brazil, each reflecting how different cultures expressed stories through puppet theater. Walking through the rooms, you notice how each region developed its own distinctive style of characters and movement.
The museum sits in central Lisbon and is easily reached on foot or by public transport, making access straightforward for most visitors. Allow enough time to explore the different exhibition spaces at a relaxed pace, particularly if you are interested in watching demonstrations or learning about the performance aspects of the collection.
The institution holds the largest collection of Portuguese puppets in the country, featuring hand-crafted figures developed for local folk traditions and performances. These objects represent a form of entertainment that shaped community gatherings and celebrations across Portuguese regions for centuries.
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