The National Tile Museum in Lisbon, Portugal is one of the most important museums in Portugal showcasing the vast ceramic heritage known as azulejos that are an integral part of Portuguese culture.

The museum showcases a vast collection of tiles from the early 1500 to the 21st century. These tiles were used extensively as decoration for centuries in Portugal from royal palaces to churches and even on the facades of buildings.

At the museum you can see tiles that are displayed by era with an explanation of the history of the art of decorative tiles during that period.

Tiles were used in myriad ways from depicting scenes in Christianity, nature, mythology, used as tapestry, and used as decoration to adorn walls – similar to wallpaper.

During the 17th century churches even began to commission tiled altars in leu of drapery, an idea they got from Spain. Tiles were also used to depict saints and narratives of religious symbols.

Restoring old tiles at the studio at the museum.

The beautiful building the tile museum is housed in.

It’s amazing to see how tiles can be used in such intricate ways to adorn walls, buildings, and to create a tapestry of art using hundreds even thousands of tiles!

Tiles are such a big part of Portuguese culture that you can find lots of tile stalls at the flea markets and tons of local shops selling decorative tiles.

For a glimpse into one of the major art forms in Portugal, stop by the National Tile Museum for a look at beautiful tiles and the art they created.

The National Tile Museum in Lisbon, Portugal. Museu Nacional de Azulejo