Discover the Collection

The Collection

The Founder’s Collection accommodates around six thousand pieces amassed by Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian.

Egyptian Art

This group of varied pieces documents the artistic periods that most marked Egyptian civilisation from the Old Empire to the Roman Era.

Greco-Roman Art

This group has an extraordinary collection of Greek coins and medallions that are part of the treasure found in Abuquir, Egypt in 1902, as well as sculptures, ceramics, glass, jewellery and gems.

Mesopotamian Art

Small collection that includes an outstanding Assyrian low relief from the palace of Assumazirpal.

Eastern Islamic Art

Calouste Gulbenkian's interest in artistic production from Persia, Turkey, Syria, the Caucasus and India, is very much in evidence here. The numerous objects on display include carpets, fabrics, illuminated manuscripts, book bindings, mosque lamps, painted tiles and ceramics.

Armenian Art

This small ensemble is essentially made up of illuminated parchments from the 16th – 17th centuries; manuscripts with the liturgical gospels, showing the great interest the collector had in his Armenian origins.

Far Eastern Art

Significant group of Far Eastern Art, with porcelain and hard stones from China and lacquers from Japan.

Painting

The main centres of artistic production from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries are represented by the work of such artists as Rubens and Rembrandt. 18th century is in turn represented by the work of Fragonard and Guardi. 19th century painting is represented by Turner, Manet, Degas, Renoir and Monet.

Sculpture

The section of sculpture includes pieces from the Middle Ages until the 19th century. Jean de Liège, Andrea della Robia, Pigalle, Houdon, Carpeaux and Rodin stand out among this collection. A significant collection of Renaissance medals is also on display.

Decorative Arts

The European decorative arts section is introduced by 16th tapestries from Flanders and Italy. Outstanding 18th century French works include Gobelins and Aubusson tapestries, very fine sets of furniture and also pieces in silver or gold.

Art of the Book

This group of works includes a series of illuminated manuscripts, printed books and bindings produced between the 12th century and the first half of the 20th century. Made up of rare and precious editions, the books from Calouste Gulbenkian’s library are exhibited on rotation.

René Lalique

René Lalique (1860-1945) integrates a large and exceptional group of jewels and other objects, of which the glasses stand out. For its quality and homogeneity, this set is considered unique in the world.

Updated on 14 January 2018