Situated in the historic district of Belém, the museum is surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), Belém Cultural Center (Centro Cultural de Belém), Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), The Discoveries Monument (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), and the Belém Palace (Palácio Nacional de Belém). This area is known for its rich historical heritage and attracts both locals and tourists alike.
Museu da Eletricidade is housed within the perimeter of the former Central Tejo, a thermal power plant that provided electricity to Lisbon and its region for over four decades. The building itself is an architectural marvel, representing one of the most beautiful examples of industrial architecture from the early 20th century in Portugal. It features a unique blend of Western iron architecture with brick facades, showcasing artistic styles ranging from Art Nouveau in its older sections to classicism in its more contemporary structures.
Upon entering the museum, visitors are welcomed into the Coal Square, a space that pays homage to the historical unloading of tons of coal from the Tagus River (Rio Tejo) for the boilers. Here, visitors can marvel at the cranes, silos, and elevators that once transported coal to the upper part of the High-Pressure Boiler Building.
The journey continues into the Exhibition Hall, housed in the former Low-Pressure Boiler Building. This open space hosts temporary exhibitions and provides a glimpse into the expansion of steam and the coal silos of the previous boilers.
Next, visitors enter the Boiler Room, located in the impressive High-Pressure Boiler Building. Four towering boilers, reaching a height of approximately 30 meters, dominate the space. Panels, control circuits, air and fuel circuits, and fans showcase the intricate machinery that powered the production of electricity. Of particular interest is Boiler number 15, which has been preserved and allows visitors to explore its interior structure and components, such as grates, Bailey walls, oil burners, and water heating tubes. The Boiler Room also sheds light on the construction history of the Central Tejo and the challenging working conditions faced by its workers.
Descending to the lower level, visitors enter the Ash Room, where the ashes from burnt or unburnt coal were collected. This section highlights the demanding working conditions, including the intense heat and exposure to coal ash particles. The museum explores various aspects of this labor-intensive environment and showcases examples of blacksmithing, carpentry, transportation, coal quality, and origin.
Continuing the visit, visitors arrive at the Experiment Room, divided into three sections. The first section focuses on energy sources, both renewable and fossil fuels. The second section pays tribute to the scientists who have made significant contributions to the advancements in electricity production. The third section offers an interactive learning experience with educational games and modules related to electricity. It provides a fun and engaging space for visitors to apply the knowledge they have acquired throughout their guided tour.
From the Experiment Room, visitors proceed to the Water Room. Here, they learn about the water treatment process required for use in the boilers. Electropumps, purifiers, filters, and distillers from the 1940s are on display, offering insights into the water management systems of the time.
Adjacent to the Water Room is the Condenser Room, which showcases the condensers used for steam cooling, as well as the pumps that drained water from the Tejo River, providing the necessary cool source for the power plant's operation. The back of the room features a permanent exhibition called "Faces of Central Tejo", paying tribute to the workers of the power plant through photographs and audiovisuals that depict their activities and working conditions.
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Finally, visitors reach the Control Room, the nerve center where the generators, substation, and electricity distribution systems were monitored. Today, this space has been transformed into an interactive area where museum guides explain the history of electricity production through practical and everyday examples, such as lemon batteries, renewable energy systems, and a simplified demonstration of the central's production process using a gas cylinder and pressure cooker. This pedagogical approach ensures an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
In addition to its captivating exhibition spaces, the Electricity Museum boasts an extensive collection of artifacts. The collection includes boilers, turbo-alternators, condensers from the 1930s-50s, as well as a wide range of items encompassing the late 19th century to the present day. The museum's inventory features domestic appliances, electrical machinery, lighting fixtures made of wood and iron, laboratory equipment, valves, models, and more.
The museum also houses a specialized Documentation Center dedicated to the study and knowledge of energy, particularly electricity. With approximately 60,000 volumes of documents in various formats, including documents, plans, books, and videos, the center covers the period from 1848 to the present day. It also houses over 90,000 photographs and around 15,000 books, most of which are specialized in electricity in its technical, construction, economic, historical, and social aspects. Additionally, the center focuses on industrial heritage, museology, general culture topics, encyclopedias, and periodicals.
Throughout the year, the Electricity Museum hosts a wide range of activities both inside and outside its premises. These include temporary exhibitions, the "Month of Science", concerts, conferences, and more. The Coal Square, serving as an outdoor gathering space, often transforms into an open-air venue for a variety of captivating events, adding to the diverse and exciting nature of the museum.
The museum also offers dynamic and educational guided tours for those seeking a deeper understanding of electricity production in a thermal power plant. These guided tours delve into the topic of renewable energy sources and include simple yet informative experiments and demonstrations on electricity. The museum's knowledgeable guides, a young and enthusiastic team, are always ready to engage with visitors and provide insightful explanations.
Visitors have the opportunity to book guided tours for groups on any day of the week. Additionally, weekend visits are available for individual visitors without prior reservation, allowing everyone to participate in the educational and enriching experience offered by the museum.
The Electricity Museum in Lisbon stands as a testament to the importance of energy and electricity in shaping our world. It preserves the heritage of the Central Tejo power plant while offering an immersive and educational journey through the history, science, and cultural significance of electricity. By exploring its impressive architecture, interactive exhibitions, and extensive collection, visitors gain a newfound appreciation for the remarkable advancements in energy production and the vital role it plays in our lives. Whether you're a history enthusiast, science lover, or simply curious about the power that lights up our world, a visit to the Electricity Museum is sure to be an enlightening and memorable experience.
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