MUDE - Where design meets the future

In the heart of Lisbon’s historic downtown, amongst streets that echo with centuries of history and urban vitality, stands MUDE – Museum of Design, a venue where the past and the future engage in an elegant dialogue. More than merely a museum, MUDE represents an experience: an invitation to think about, feel and experience design as a force for social transformation.
True to the message embedded in its name, MUDE (in Portuguese mude means change) aims to promote changes that bring about a more democratic, equal and sustainable future. Design transcends aesthetics here to become a universal language – a realm where thought, knowledge and creativity cross paths. Every object, every exhibition, every detail of the space reveals a deep commitment to human well-being and to the preservation of the planet, within a wide-ranging vision that encompasses all living beings.
Its vast, ever-growing archive comprises more than two dozen collections exploring national and international design. From fashion to contemporary jewellery, from graphic to editorial design, from product to interior design, the diversity of the pieces on display reflects the multiplicity of perspectives and approaches that define this discipline. This legacy is not just for contemplation: it is a living source for study, reflection and inspiration, conceived to engage both specialists and curious, creative younger generations. Complementing this great wealth, MUDE is also home to an archive and a specialist library, which are essential for understanding design within its project-based and cultural context.

[…] MUDE represents an experience: an invitation to think about, feel and experience design as a force for social transformation.

As a municipal public museum with a local, national and international audience, MUDE acts as a space open to the city and the world, showcasing multiple perspectives on design through a dynamic and cross-disciplinary programme. Located in an iconic quarter, the edges of which are defined by Rua Augusta, RuaPrata, Rua São Julião and RuaComércio, the museum develops over some14,000 square metres distributed over eight floors. Within this expansive space, five galleries host longer-term exhibitions and temporary shows, whilst areas dedicated to education, research, creation and leisure ensure a complete and multifaceted experience for visitors.  

The building’s history is, in itself, a fascinating testament to transformation.

More than a place for contemplation, MUDE has also spaces for meeting, conversation and sharing, reinforcing its social and community-building role. MUDE is also a thriving cultural hub, where book launches, conferences, music events and fashion shows underline its role as a catalyst for cultural life in Lisbon’s historic centre.
The building’s history is, in itself, a fascinating testament to transformation. Originally built in the late 18th century, it has been successively reinvented over the decades, going through periods of architectural innovation, expansion and even disuse. Following a major redevelopment between 2016 and 2024, the space has been reborn, respecting its complex heritage while integrating it into a contemporary concept. Under the stewardship of Bárbara Coutinho and Luís Miguel Saraiva, the building has become an integral part of the collection itself – a living organism where the traces of time stand alongside innovative technical solutions. As such, the building itself is seen as a living archive of design and a piece in the museum’s collection, enhancing the distinctiveness of the visitor’s experience.
The result is a venue that impresses with its authenticity. Original features, such as Murano mosaics, tiled panels, marble and wood, sit harmoniously alongside contemporary additions, creating a unique atmosphere where every detail tells a story. Areas that were once reserved for staff have been opened to the public, revealing new uses and perspectives – from the library to the educational workshops, culminating in a terrace offering a spectacular view over the city. The Documentation and Information Centre is also a highlight, housing the Design Library and the Historical Archive, which are fundamental cornerstones for research, preservation and the promotion of design in Portugal.
At MUDE, design is not just something to be observed: it is experienced. Between past and future, tradition and innovation, this is a place that begs to be revisited – always with a fresh perspective.

Original features, such as Murano mosaics, tiled panels, marble and wood, sit harmoniously alongside contemporary additions[…].

Text: Editorial staff
Photos: MUDE/Luísa Ferreira