English
The Museo de Arte Decorativo, which is situated on the corner of Miradouro das Portas do Sol, is located in what was the Palacio Azurara in the 17th century and it´s a brilliant museum which has as a purpose to show the life of the aristocrats during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The building was acquired by Ricardo Espirito Santo, a wealthy banker who, later, gave to the State the collection that he acquired through all of his life. There is, for example, an Indo-Portuguese piece of furniture or a Chinese porcelain and plant collection that is already invaluable and many tapestries from the 16th to the 18th century.
The interior of the palace is incredibly beautiful and historic because it possesses the floors which are made of original wood, painted ceilings with works that make it into a work of art and furniture that will deeply impress the visitors. The most captivating area of all are the bedrooms and the stairs that lead to the dining room with big clocks and plenty of paintings.
Next to the museum there´s a workshop where expert artists reproduce the antiques that are in the museum so that you, if you so wish, can take an identical piece home.
This is one of the most beautiful museums that the Portuguese city has, and visiting it is a must for tourists. You can get Lisbon accommodation and be one of the millions that walk through its galleries every year.
