Cinema Museum Cinemateca Portuguesa

Located in the heart of Lisbon, Cinemateca Portuguesa is a renowned institution that works to promote and protect the rich heritage of Portuguese cinema. It serves as a film repository and, in collaboration with the Cinémathèque Française, offers diverse programmes, showcasing the best of Portuguese cinema as well as a carefully selected selection of European and independent films.

Interior of Cinemateca Portuguesa, photographed by Becky Gillespie

Cinemateca Portuguesa’s facilities include two cinemas named after Félix Ribeiro, film critic, essayist and founder of Cinemateca Portuguesa, and Luis de Pena, cinephile and former director of the museum (1982-1991). It also houses a library, an extensive archive, and a cinema museum. Restaurant/café 39 Degraus, a nod to Hitchcock’s “39 Steps,” adds even more charm. It regularly hosts debates, author screenings and film courses, and attracts film buffs with its rich daily programming. La Cinemateca Júnior, an extension aimed at young audiences, once again confirms its commitment to cinema education. During the summer, its charm extends to the outdoors with outdoor screenings, making cinema accessible and enjoyable in the original language with Portuguese subtitles.

Since its inception in 1948, Cinemateca Portuguesa has built up an important portfolio of equipment. Under the leadership of Manuel Félix Ribeiro, the museum’s first director, the collection has grown to include a wide range of cameras, projectors and other cinematic accessories. The initiative was motivated by a deep appreciation for Portuguese cinema and its cultural importance. These artifacts highlight the complex journey of Portuguese film production.

From 1982 to 1991, a large part of these historical objects found refuge in the new headquarters of Cinematica, Rua Parata Salguero. There they formed a gallery in different rooms. The exhibition was accompanied by Alves Costa’s screenplay, published in 1986, providing insight into the connections between the pieces and the famous Portuguese directors. It was a tribute to moviegoers, blending technology and art.

Interior of Cinemateca Portuguesa, picture of Truss, Bob and Jean too! (Unsplash)

The growth of Cinemateca Portuguesa’s collections is largely due to the contributions of individuals and institutions, both Portuguese and international. Their donations have enriched the collections and these objects demonstrate technological diversity and great historical value.

Cinemateca Portuguesa shows films on its two screens six days a week. Special children’s movies are shown on Saturdays. The daily schedule can be found here.

Visitors can first experience the permanent film exhibition that begins with the main staircase and continues through the beautiful rooms surrounding the staircase. They can then go to the Linha de Sombra library, which offers an interesting collection of books, magazines, DVDs and postcards, always related to art and cinema. The library is also equipped with a board where visitors can post cinema-related announcements.

Espaço 39 Degraus restaurant offers a choice of three dishes daily: meat, fish or vegetarian dishes. There are also some cinema-inspired cocktails available which can be enjoyed on sunny days on the outdoor terrace.