Lisbon is rapidly becoming a cultural hub, and the recent opening of the MACAM (Museu de Arte Contemporanea) is a testament to that transformation. This new five-star hotel and museum, which opened its doors this week, is a brainchild of Armando Martins, a Portuguese engineer turned property developer. Martins, who has a passion for art, decided to integrate his extensive 600-piece collection into the hotel, creating a unique blend of hospitality and culture.
Located in an 18th-century palace that Martins acquired in a dilapidated state, MACAM has undergone extensive renovations. The palace, previously used as a school, retains much of its original grandeur, including a beautifully restored baroque chapel that will host performances and events. Part of the museum’s exhibitions, titled Figuration Reinvented, is displayed in what used to be the palace's kitchens.
Spanning 2,000 square meters, the museum offers formal exhibition space accessible to both hotel guests and the public. The layout features large galleries on either side of the entrance lobby dedicated to permanent exhibitions. One side showcases significant Portuguese paintings from the late 19th century to the 1970s, while the opposite side features works from Martins’ international contemporary collection.
Among the artists whose works are displayed at MACAM are notable names such as John Baldessari, whose 1981 triptych reflects modern themes through an updated Vanitas, and Pedro Reyes, who created a captivating animation depicting a debate between Karl Marx and Adam Smith against the backdrop of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Other prominent artists featured include Carol Bove, Albert Oehlen, Ernesto Neto, and Belinda de Bruckyere, whose striking sculpture of intertwined taxidermied horses challenges viewers with its compelling and repulsive nature.
Martins began his art collection journey 51 years ago, initially focusing on historic works from his homeland. He possesses the most significant private collection of works by Eduardo Viana, a key figure in Portuguese art. One of Martins’ favorites is Viana’s painting, A Mulher da Laranja (The Woman with the Orange, 1913), which holds sentimental value for him. Another notable piece in the collection is a 1968 abstract work by Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, titled Maio de 68 (May 1968), which has been loaned to numerous international exhibitions.
In 2002, Martins began attending art fairs, such as ARCO in Madrid and Art Basel in Switzerland, which helped him connect with contemporary art dealers and expand his collection. To mark the opening of MACAM, he commissioned new sculptures from Canadian artist Angela Bulloch and Portuguese artist Jose Pedro Croft, which are displayed on the hotel’s terraces. Additionally, Spanish artist Carlos Aires has created moving image and sculptural wall works specifically for the chapel.
The hotel offers a range of accommodations, including rooms in the old palace and studio apartments equipped with kitchens. Each room features unique artistic elements, with the most luxurious rooms boasting ornate ceilings and traditional Portuguese tiling. One standout accommodation is a multi-roomed apartment dubbed The Collector, showcasing a vibrant piece by renowned Portuguese artist Jose de Guimaroes, who also designed the logo for the Portuguese tourist board.
The restoration of the palace and the addition of a new wing were managed by the architectural firm MetroUrbe. A rooftop swimming pool, set to open in May 2025, will provide hotel guests with stunning views of the nearby Tagus River and the surrounding neighborhoods of Alcantara and Belem. The building’s façade is adorned with white three-dimensional tiles designed by Portuguese ceramist Maria Ana Vasco Costa, further enhancing its artistic appeal.
In a parallel development in Lisbon’s art scene, Underdogs Gallery is launching a collaboration with acclaimed French artist JR. This collaboration, which began in March 2025, features a solo exhibition titled JR: Through My Window, showcasing 36 lithographs that reflect JR’s artistic journey and community engagement. The exhibition runs from March 28 to April 19, 2025, and presents JR’s work in a retrospective manner.
JR, known for his large-scale installations, started his artistic career on the streets of Paris before expanding his reach globally. His works often address social and community issues, with many pieces telling stories of the communities he engages with. The exhibition will also include the Inside Out Project, which invites public participation in creating art that reflects their experiences and perspectives.
One of the highlights of JR’s exhibition is the audio testimony accompanying the artwork, allowing visitors to gain deeper insights into the stories behind each piece. “I made my hand into a large sculpture we installed at the opening of the Chauvet cave in the mountains. This idea of handprint comes from the desire to leave a mark on society,” JR explains about one of his featured works, Empreinte, Chauvet, France, created in 2023.
JR’s artistic endeavors span various locations, from the Louvre Museum in Paris to high-security prisons in California, where he uses art as a tool for sociopolitical transformation. The limited edition works showcased at Underdogs Gallery will be available for sale, allowing visitors to take home a piece of this impactful collaboration.
As Lisbon continues to evolve as a cultural destination, the opening of MACAM and the collaboration with JR at Underdogs Gallery highlight the city’s commitment to integrating art into everyday life. With these developments, art enthusiasts and travelers alike are sure to find inspiration and engagement in the vibrant cultural landscape of Lisbon.
