Art in Lisbon and Coimbra: What to see April-May 2026

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Art in Lisbon: a fun and simple art guide for April 2026

What art exhibitions to see in Lisbon in April

Looking for the best exhibitions in April, 2026? Plan your days around a few good art exhibits and get a taste of Lisbon’s art culture, don’t forget to add a visit to Coimbra when you come.

This guide is a follow-up to my Lisbon spring art scene article, with a clear focus on what is worth your time right now. I am also adding one very good reason to leave Lisbon for a day or two.

Bienal de Coimbra: Anozero’26

The Bienal de Coimbra, Anozero’26 opens on April 11 and runs until July 5th, 2026.

This is one of the easiest and most interesting art day trips from Lisbon. The train ride is easy going, the exhibitions are spread throughout the city. 

Get ready for a fantastic treat.

Coimbra has long been the cultural center of Portugal, it has the oldest university, and a strong history and education tradition. 

The Bienal’s theme for this year is Segurar, Dar, Receber (To hold, To give, To receive).

There will be international and Portuguese artists and a mix of installations, exhibitions, and art talks.

Art in Lisbon: Museums and galleries, April 2026

Lourdes de Castro. art in Lisbon, abstract paintings, art in Lisbon
Art work by Lourdes de Castro

Sociedade Nacional de Belas Artes

At the Sociedade Nacional de Belas Artes, the exhibition “Existe Luz na Sombra” by Lourdes de Castro runs until May 16.

Her work is quiet and reflective. It plays with presence and absence, light and shadow. It’s a beautiful exhibit.

Galeria Dialogue, Marvila

At Galeria Dialogue, “O Dia Esta Pronto” by Francisca Pinto is on view.

Her art is bold, colourful, sensual, and emotionally charged. There is an interesting tension between figures, color, and her magical lines.

Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

Arte e moda (Art and Fashion). Another exhibit I am  looking forward to visit.

April 18th-June 21

Natura Mirabilis. Arte e Natureza

April 18th-June 21

Fundação Oriente

The exhibit, Da Matriz à Impressão starts on April 10th. 

45 Portuguese and international print makers will be exhibiting their works to celebrate the Associação de Gravura Água-Forte. There will also be workshops and art talks.

I’m excited about this exhibition and will be signing up for some workshops. If you are curious about the process, this is a exhibition to visit.

Printmaking is often overlooked but it’s a fantastic discipline.

MAAT

abstract shapes on wall, art in Lisbon, Maiolina artist
Art in Lisbon: Maiolina’s art work in MAAT

Anna Maria Maiolino is exhibiting, “Poetic Earth” until May 31st.

View of Maiolino's exhibit from above at MAAT, art in Lisbon

Her art works connect material, language, and memory. 

Júlio Pomar at CAMB

woman in front of Julio Pomar 's painting , art in Lisbon

At Centro de Arte Manuel de Brito, there is a selection of works by Júlio Pomar to mark what would be his 100th year.

Should you fall in love with Pomar’s work, visit the Atelier Júlio Pomar.

More art in Lisbon: Galleries to add to your visit

Ongoing gallery exhibitions in Lisbon

Dates: March 19 – May 16th
Artist: Andreas Breunig
 
Dates: March 20- May 16
Artist: James Collins
 
Dates: March 21- May 9th
Artists: Vasco Araujo
Helena Almeida
 

Last Chance in April

boat in front of wavy shapes, bright colours: pink, blue and black, artist: Conefrey, art in Lisbon
Art in Lisbon: Conefrey’s art work at Galeria 111
Exhibit ends on April 11th.

Conrad at Galeria 111 by Alexandre Conefrey.

Conefrey’s art for this exhibition was inspired by Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness.” I think the connection between the two is that they suggest a story, a journey, and they do not give us any answers or solutions.  It’s up to you, the viewer, to decipher and interpret. Conefrey has a unique language in color and form. His palette is bright, and at times some colors seem to repel others; they don’t combine smoothly, but they come together to tell a story. Forms have strong, emotional, suggestive, beautiful black outlines. You must see his work..
woman in front of Conefrey exhibition sepia color, art in Lisbon
Marguerite at Alexandre Conefrey’s exhibit at Galeria 111.
 
I will keep updating the art in Lisbon guide as I visit more spaces and find new shows.
 
Updated April 9, 2026
Marguerite Beaty

Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist

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