The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) in Lisbon is an outstanding example of contemporary architecture. The striking building was designed by British architect Amanda Levete and opened in November 2016. It is located on the banks of the Tagus River (Rio Tejo), in the immediate vicinity of the Central Tejo Electricity Museum in the Belém district.
The architecture of the MAAT is characterized by its futuristic and flowing forms. The building’s wave-like architecture is a reference to Portugal’s maritime history. The curved, elongated oval facade is made up of 14,936 light-colored, partially three-dimensional tiles that capture and mirror the reflections of the constantly changing light on the water.
The entire building is only 12 meters high, blending harmoniously into the surroundings of the historic district of Belém without dominating the existing buildings. The cantilevered, accessible roof of the MAAT, which is designed as a public square, offers impressive panoramic views over the estuary of the River Tagus (Rio Tejo). The wide roof areas also shade the entrance area below.
Proposing a new relationship with the river and the wider world, the kunsthalle is a powerful yet sensitive and low-slung building that explores the convergence of contemporary art, architecture and technology.
AL_A Architects about the project
One of the central concerns was to bring people closer to the river again. Wide steps along the entire structure connect the promenade with the water, following the curved shape of the roof. MAAT sees itself as a platform for discovery, critical thinking and international dialogue at the intersection of contemporary art, architecture and technology. National and international exhibitions present contemporary artists, architects and thinkers, with many works from the art collection of the Fundação EDP, which specializes in modern Portuguese art.
With the MAAT, Amanda Levete and her office have created a modern building that brings together and continues the history and culture of Lisbon. It is therefore not only a place for art and culture enthusiasts, but also an architectural highlight that enriches Lisbon with an important cultural and aesthetic attraction.
