(DIY) Do It Yourself Art Gallery Tours in Lisbon: Discover the City’s Contemporary Art Scene
- Ausra Gonen
- Dec 27, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 1

Lisbon is a vibrant hub of contemporary art, with galleries tucked away in historic neighborhoods, modern hubs, and everything in between. If you're an art lover eager to explore the city's artistic pulse, these (DIY) Do It Yourself gallery tours are the perfect way to discover Lisbon's creative gems. Each route is curated to maximize your experience, guiding you through neighborhoods with clusters of galleries offering exceptional exhibitions.
Here’s your guide to 10 self-guided art adventures in Lisbon:
Estrela & Campo de Ourique Tour
Neighborhood vibe: Stylish and cosmopolitan with a hint of tradition.
Cristina Guerra Contemporary Art: One of Lisbon’s leading galleries showcasing thought-provoking works.
NO-NO: Known for its dynamic approach to showcasing innovative and emerging artistic voices.
Pedro Cera: Renowned gallery representing established and emerging contemporary artists.
Galeria Miguel Nabinho: A gem for art enthusiasts seeking to discover established Portuguese artists.
Rato & Estrela Tour
Neighborhood vibe: Quiet charm meets artistic sophistication.
3+1 Arte Contemporânea: Focusing on unique proposals and pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.
Monitor Lisbon: Dedicated to providing artists with experimental spaces to explore diverse practices.
Jahn und Jahn & Encounter: Two international galleries located in a shared space – a cozy yet dynamic venue featuring innovative exhibitions.
Madragoa: Cutting-edge exhibitions in a historic Lisbon setting.
Arroios & Estefania Tour
Neighborhood vibe: Hidden gems with an urban edge.
Artemis Gallery Lisbon: The first commercial art gallery in Portugal solely dedicated to New Media Art. The gallery has already presented some of the best-known creatives working in the new media art field of contemporary art.
Rialto6: A space created to challenge the artists, curators and galleries to develop innovative, experimental projects.
Galeria Monumental: A historic gallery focusing on Portuguese contemporary artists.
Galeria Foco: The gallery is set in an extraordinary space which used to be a car dealership. Focus on boundary-pushing exhibitions.
Marvila Tour
Neighborhood vibe: Lisbon’s edgy and industrial art hub.
UNDERDOGS: Supporting urban-inspired contemporary art and fostering close connections between artists, the public, and the city.
MAD Gallery: A must-visit hub of creativity and collaboration.
BRUNO MÚRIAS: A chic space showcasing progressive contemporary artists.
Galeria Francisco Fino: Featuring bold and experimental exhibitions.
119 Marvila Studios: A collective space for diverse artistic voices.
Penha de Franca & Marvila Tour
Neighborhood vibe: Local, vibrant, and full of life.
Galeria Filomena Soares: A gallery with a reputation for world-class exhibitions.
KUBIKGALLERY: Specializing in contemporary art with an experimental twist.
Kunsthalle Lissabon: A non-profit small-scale contemporary art institution with a cutting-edge program.
Alvalade Tour
Neighborhood vibe: A blend of historic charm and modern creativity.
APPLETON: A hybrid non-profit cultural venue for contemporary art experimentation and learning.
Galeria Vera Cortês: Focusing on monographic exhibitions, international promotion, and collaborative projects.
Balcony Gallery: A space to appreciate diverse artistic expressions.
Salgadeiras Arte Contemporânea: A treasure trove of contemporary creativity.
Galeria 111: One of Lisbon’s oldest and most respected galleries.
Príncipe Real & São Bento Tour
Neighborhood vibe: Artistic flair meets historic charm.
Galeria Ratton: Renowned for its contemporary ceramic tile art exhibitions.
Dialogue Gallery & Galeria Graça Brandão: A union of two renowned galleries, fostering meaningful art experiences through curated exhibitions that spark conversation.
Nowhere: A women-led, non-profit cultural association in Lisbon that fosters experimental contemporary art through critical support, artist residencies, and collaborative projects.
Principe Real & Rato Tour
Neighborhood vibe: Up-and-coming and international.
Movart: A dynamic gallery with a primary focus on promoting African artists.
Galeria Diferença: A non-profit cultural cooperative with a strong focus on promoting young Portuguese contemporary artists.
Galeria NAVE: An eclectic space with a focus on emerging talents and international projects.
São Mamede & São Bento Tour
Neighborhood vibe: Historic with a contemporary vision.
Galeria São Mamede: One of the oldest galleries in Lisbon, founded during the dictatorship in 1968.
São Roque Antiguidades e Galeria de Arte: Renowned antique shop with a space dedicated to showcasing contemporary world-renowned Portuguese and international artists.
Zaratan - Arte Contemporânea: A non-profit cultural association supporting experimental, interdisciplinary visual arts.
Chiado & Bairro Alto Tour
Neighborhood vibe: Bohemian and historic, with a modern twist.
This is Not a White Cube: Focusing on narratives related to the African continent and its diaspora.
ADZ: Focused on contemporary practices rooted in early 19th-century aesthetic and literary movements, exploring themes of slowness, intimacy, memory, and tactility.
Prime Matter Gallery: Dedicated to honoring art, design, material, and craftsmanship.
Her Clique: A unique space spotlighting women and non-binary artists.
Tips for Your DIY Gallery Tours
Check Opening Hours: Many galleries close on Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Bring Comfortable Shoes: Lisbon’s cobblestone streets and hilly terrain add charm but can be a challenge!
Stay Refreshed: Stop at nearby cafés or local eateries for a coffee or pastel de nata.
Immerse Yourself: Take your time exploring each gallery—don’t rush!
Talk to Gallerists: They can provide valuable insights into the exhibitions and artists.
Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious traveler, these DIY tours offer a unique way to experience Lisbon’s thriving art scene. Get ready to explore, engage, and be inspired by the city’s artistic heartbeat!
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