Around the House(s)
A reflection on the current reality of lockdown, on the role of the home and on the idea of human presence/absence.
Read, Watch, Listen
How do birds survive the rain and cold?
João Eduardo Rabaça explains how these species cope with lower temperatures. With the arrival of winter many birds migrate to Africa but others remain where they were born, including small passerines.
Hagop Kevorkian
In the early 20th century, Hagop set up a business selling works in Bishopsgate, London, not far from the Gulbenkian family firm, which dealt with the importation of rugs.
Why do some trees keep their leaves in autumn and winter?
Rosa Pinho, curator of the Herbarium, of the Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, explains the reasons why they no longer dominate Portuguese forests.
Gulbenkian Garden
Take a virtual tour with Beatrice Brigola and discover more about what makes this garden so special, without leaving your home.
Gulbenkian Building
With Beatrice Brigola, discover some secrets of this architectural masterpiece, a symbol of a possible utopian idea, without leaving your home.
What do butterflies feed on?
Patrícia Garcia-Pereira, researcher at the Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, at the Science Faculty of the University of Lisbon (FCUL), explains what it is, after all, that these very special insects eat.
Edgar Degas
One of the best-known names in French painting, with links to the Impressionist movement, is represented in the Founder’s Collection by two paintings.
‘Posta’ [chop]
The artist Rosa Carvalho focuses on themes of everyday life, food and eating, namely meat, at its rawest.
Do crickets sing more in the summer? And do all crickets sing?
Eva Monteiro, researcher at the Biodiversity Stations Network and at Tagis , -the Centre for the Conservation of Butterflies in Portugal, helps you to become an expert on these charming insects.
Egypt
Calouste Gulbenkian’s collection of Egyptian artworks is testimony to his immense fascination with Egyptian civilisation.
How do dragonflies and damselflies grow and start to fly?
Their bright colours and delicate wings leave few people indifferent to these insects of the Order Odonata. In Portugal, 65 species can be found but very few people know about their life cycle, which all begins with some very unique behaviour.
Study for an escape
The artist Nuno Sousa Vieira reflects on the notion of escape, explaining how this concept influenced his creative process in this study.
‘Rubber, Doughnut and Piñata’ by Eugénia Mussa
The artist Eugénia Mussa contextualises her relationship with intense colour and the role it has played in her work.
How can swifts sleep in flight?
These incredible birds reach Portugal in March, coming from Africa. Ricardo Brandão and Daniela Costa, from CERVAS, explain how they do almost everything in flight, including sleeping.
Thomas Linley
Thomas Linley (1756-1778) was one of the most precocious composers and performers of England, having become known as the ‘English Mozart’.
The modern African art of Malangatana
Learn about the artistic career of Malangatana, a great connoisseur of both ancestral African cultures and Western culture.
Strange Times
In the context of the pandemic and restrictions, we highlight works by artists that evoke atypical scenarios we have all experienced.
Shah Jahan
Shah Jahan ruled the Mughal Empire. During his reign, the empire reached the pinnacle of its glory, making Shah Jahan one of its most important emperors.
(Re)Visionary Navigations of Cultural Memory
Sculptor and teacher Sharon Lubkemann Allen reflects on Ângela Ferreira's installations about forms and places, revealing how they build bridges between different cultures.
Cinema Karl Marx, Luanda
Mónica de Miranda's project ‘Panorama’ focuses on themes such as ‘urban archaeology and personal geographies’ and notions of identity, memory and diaspora.
Pictures for a time of self-isolation
Penelope Curtis chooses a pair of portraits that offer an interesting contrast, in certain aspects very similar, despite the fact that they are almost two centuries apart.
How do plants disperse their seeds?
Filipe Covelo, a fellow in science and technology management in the field of botany, explains what happens during the plants reproduction process, from the formation of future seeds to their germination.
Maria Gabriel
Over several years, the artist's work has reflected on the migrant experiences of her family and of others close to her.