Travels in the 2nd half

  On a recent trip I had one of those strange travel days. I had arrived in Lisbon after an overnight flight from the U.S., and I was leaving the next morning for Malta. So what to do on my one afternoon, without stressing my jet-lag too much. Luckily, I was staying in the Avenidas Novas neighborhood, and the Gulbenkian Foundation was a short walk away. Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian via Wikimedia The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation was founded in 1956 in the estate of  Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian (1869-1955) for the promotion of the arts, science, education and philanthropy. It houses one of the largest private art collections in Europe, and supports the Gulbenkian Orchestra and the Gulbenkian Science Institute. The Institute sits in a beautiful park, and houses two art museums. The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian is home to its collection of art that ranges from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome to the 20th century. Unfortunately, that museum was undergoing renovations during my visit. T...

  My recent trip to Lisbon happened to take place at a time when most of the city’s major museums were simultaneously closed for renovations. While I missed the chance to see them, I took full advantage of the opportunity to visit some of Lisbon’s smaller, lesser known, but fascinating offerings. Today, I will take you on a tour of three homes, representing the lives of some of Lisbon’s prominent citizens. 
Museu Casa Dr. Anastasio Gonçalves   In 1905, Portuguese artist José Malhoa (1855-1933) moved into his newly built home and studio, an art nouveau house in the Avenidas Novas neighborhood. Malhoa was a leading painter in the naturalist style, and his success allowed to commission a very nice house. Portrait of Dr. Gonçalves by José Molhoa Malhoa sold the home in 1919, after the death of his wife. It passed through several owners until it was bought by Dr. Anastasio Gonçalves (1888-1965) in 1932. Gonçalves was an ophthalmologist, and a collector of artwork. Given the histor...