Lisbon’s Fado Museum Reopens
Lisbon’s Fado Museum, 
dedicated to Portugal’s Fado music and now a decade old, reopens today after being closed for renovation for a few months.
Photographs of prominent Fado singers greet visitors through the museum’s three floors, while also on display for the first time in the renovated space are two works related to Fado by Jose Malhoa and Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro (two of Portugal’s top 19th century artists).
An audio guide available in four languages explains the collection and allows you to select the Fados you want to hear. In addition to that you may also consult images, recordings, biographies, and musical programs from the past, a multimedia service now expanded in the museum.
Even if you’ve never heard of Fado, or even heard one single Fado song, visiting this museum will give you an insight into Lisbon’s cultural heritage and its increasingly international music. Although Amalia Rodrigues was the first singer to take Fado outside of Portugal’s borders in the 20th century, new performers are achieving unprecedented success on the World Music stage around Europe and elsewhere. Mariza, Misia, Ana Moura, and Mafalda Arnauth are just some of the names being placed under the spotlight, and Lisbon’s Fado Museum will explain the story behind their sound.
If you’re curious about Fado, visit GoLisbon’s Fado section, where you can see a few videos of Fado performances, including Mariza’s appearance on CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman in the United States.
