The Outsider Art Museum of Lisbon, often referred to as Pavilhao de Seguranca (Security Pavilion) is a one of a kind museum in Portugal. Despite the fact it does not enjoy a lot of tourist visibility, the museum is well worth a visit both due to the place where it is located and by force of the interesting collection it displays.

Thus, the museum has been set up in a panopticon (a circular structure enclosing a courtyard where the mentally insane could be constantly supervised) which dates back to the 19th century. The venue was recently renovated such as to accommodate the 3,500-item collection of paintings, sketches and sculptures created by the mentally disturbed patients. The collection also includes bizarre medical instruments.

Thus, the Outsider Art Museum is, by its wide “raw” or “outsider” art collection, a strangely ideal opportunity for tourists interested in spicing their stay in Lisbon with a less mainstream pursuit.

Admission is free, but the opening days and hours are quite limited.

Name:
Outsider Art Museum (Pavilhao de Seguranca)
Address:
1, Rua Dr. Almeida Amaral, Lisbon, Portugal
Telephone:
00351 213 177400
Opening hours:
Mondays and Saturdays: 2pm to 6pm; Wednesdays: 11.30am to 1pm
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