Modern perfume
Working with prominent perfumers of the time, Lalique applied art to the conception of glass for perfume bottles.
Read, Watch, Listen
‘Glass, the wonderful material’
See how René Lalique was seduced by the versatility of industrial production, bringing art to both everyday objects and large-scale architectural interventions.
Lost wax casting
Get to know the process of lost wax casting, through which Lalique has created unique glass pieces. They reproduce his favourite themes: fauna and flora.
The creator of the modern jewel
Discover how René Lalique revolutionised the concept of jewellery, introducing glass as a material of creation.
Paul Verlaine, ‘accursed poet’
A selection of books by the poet Paul Verlaine now on display in the Museum.
The furniture in the François-Joseph Talma room
When Calouste Gulbenkian purchased the hôtel particulier at 51 Avenue d’Iéna at the age of 53, the 36-metre wide avenue was home to members of the elite, including financiers and collectors.
Sophistication and functionality
In 1922, Calouste Gulbenkian purchased a property in Paris: a mansion located at 51 Avenue d’Iéna in the city centre, which belonged to the great collector Rodolphe Kann.
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.
Duveen Brothers
Calouste Gulbenkian began to buy artworks in the late 19th century, largely guided by his own personal taste. Many of his purchases, however, were only decided upon after long conversations with experts and art dealers.
Rodolphe Kann
Rodolphe was known for seeking out rare and valuable works, frequently turning to the advice of experts and connoisseurs of the art market.
Rothschild Family
Gulbenkian bought pieces from the collections of members of the Rothschild empire, such as the French writer and playwright Henri Rothschild.
Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema
Alma-Tadema worked with several Belgian artists of note. His work evolved towards the design of stage sets and costumes, as well as furniture pieces.
Charles Schefer
The pieces in the Collection come from different places, passing through the hands of various dealers and owners who have left a mark on the history of art.
Antoine Watteau
Considered to be one of the most creative and original artists of the 18th century, Antoine Watteau had a prolific career that ended too soon.
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.
Egypt
Calouste Gulbenkian’s collection of Egyptian artworks is testimony to his immense fascination with Egyptian civilisation.
Japan
Tokaido has been hugely popular in art and literature and it has been adopted as a theme by contemporary artists.
France
Calouste Gulbenkian lived in France until 1942, when World War II obliged him to reconsider staying in the country. The initial plan was to move to the United States with his family and his collection; however, his stay in Lisbon eventually became permanent.