One Hundred Years, the Same Place: National Museum of Contemporary Art in the Historic Chiado Neighbourhood (1911-2011)

Abstract

Founded in 1911, in the wake of the establishment o f the Republic in Portugal, the National Museum of Contemporary Art – Museu do Chiado is , since then, installed on the premises of the old convent of São Francisco da Cid ade, in Lisbon historic centre. In addition to its architectural heritage, between the 19th and the 20th centuries, the Chiado district became a major cultural and artistic refer ence, with theatres cinemas and cafés frequented by romantic and modernist generations. I n spite of its privileged location, the museum did not always take part in the cultural and urban dynamics of the neighbourhood, often assuming a discreet presence. Throughou t a hundred-year existence, the possibility of transferring the institution to anot her place was several times considered. Nevertheless, after the huge fire that, in 1988, af fected an important part of the Chiado district, it was decided to enhance the relation of the museum with this historic area. After a global renovation, according to a plan draw n up by the French architect JeanMichel Wilmotte, the museum reopened in 1994 with t he name Museu do Chiado. This article analysis the evolution of the museum over t he last century (collections, building, program), and its integration in the cultural conte xt of Chiado, debating the impact of recent initiatives and lasting constraints.