The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian in Lisbon has undergone a significant transformation, returning to its mid-century modern roots after an 18-month renovation. This iconic museum, named after the Armenian tycoon and collector, has reopened its doors to the public, offering a fresh perspective on its original 1969 design. The renovation, costing €7.8 million, aimed to restore the museum's essential systems and enhance its display of Calouste Gulbenkian's extensive collection. The museum's re-inauguration coincides with the 70th anniversary of the foundation that bears his name, making it a momentous occasion for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The story of Calouste Gulbenkian is one of immense wealth and a passion for collecting. Born in Istanbul in 1869, he amassed a personal horde of over 6,000 objects, including rare books, Renaissance tapestries, Islamic tiles, and 18th-century French furniture. His collection, acquired through his role as a broker in the oil industry, is now displayed in a museum that reflects his vision. The museum's original design, created by Portuguese architects Alberto Pessoa, Pedro Cid, and Ruy Jervis d'Athouguia, was a single-storey building with a restrained palette of materials and large expanses of glazing, allowing views over the park and into planted courtyards. This Brutalist setting, with strong Japanese influences, integrated both fine and decorative arts.
However, over the years, repairs and changing curatorial outlooks diluted the original vision. The renovation, led by the museum's new director, Xavier Salomon, in collaboration with architects Teresa Nunes da Ponte and Frédéric Ladonne, sought to restore the museum's original spirit. The updated display features anti-reflective glass and LED lighting, enhancing the legibility of the exhibits. The Islamic world section now showcases the 14th-century Mamluk mosque lamps in individual vitrines, while the Asia galleries have a new, more practical display case designed by the French specialist ACL. The renovation also added a new numismatic cabinet for the display of coins and moved the Assyrian winged-guardian relief to a more prominent position.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the renovation is the restoration of the museum's relationship between art, architecture, and nature. The new director, inspired by the museum's original design, has reinstated this unique connection. The absence of multimedia screens and the use of short, to-the-point labels are a nod to the 1969 spirit, creating a more immersive and architecturally pure experience. The renovation has also transformed a former study into a new numismatic cabinet, adding a touch of modern functionality to the antique galleries.
The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian's renovation is a testament to the power of preserving historical spaces while adapting them to modern needs. It invites visitors to explore the intersection of art, architecture, and nature, offering a fresh perspective on the original vision of Calouste Gulbenkian. As the museum reopens its doors, it invites us to reflect on the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing innovation and change.
