National Museum of Contemporary Art

Located in Lisbon’s historic Chiado district, the winning proposal for the MNAC refurbishment and extension integrates the existing heritage buildings with a new volume that maintains visual and functional continuity with the city. A lioz stone base connects to local tradition, while upper levels in ceramic mosaic introduce a contemporary texture, consolidating the museum as a cultural landmark.

The spatial organization follows a linear route, with permanent exhibitions on the lower level and temporary galleries, library, and a panoramic terrace over Lisbon on the upper floors. The main entrance connects directly to a public sculpture garden, serving as a transition between the museum and the urban fabric.

The design incorporates passive strategies for natural lighting and thermal control, underground technical areas, and public facilities such as a shop and café with independent access. Universal accessibility and a publicly visible restoration space reinforce the museum’s openness and educational role. In this way, MNAC emerges as a sustainable cultural infrastructure that bridges heritage memory and contemporary vision.

Team: delmedio atelier ( Michel Zeca, Mafalda Peres Couto, Claudia Silveira), Luis Manuel Pereira

Structural engineer: Edgar Cardoso

Museum exhibition consultant: Heloisa Vivanco