Visiting the currency Money Museum in Lisbon Portugal

When visiting Lisbon, Portugal, don't miss a trip to the interactive Money Museum, sometimes referred to by most tourists as the currency museum.

It is one of those rare museums around the world which do not charge any entry fee! It is also genuinely interesting, with its wide range of thematic displays. 

Hence even if you are not an avid numismatic, you should definitely visit it. It is fun and worth your time, believe me.


   


About the Museum

Set up in the premises of what was once a church, credit for designing the Money Museum goes to Francisco Providência. 

Thanks to Banco de Portugal, which owns the premises, the Church of St. Julian is now a beautiful tourist attraction that promotes knowledge of the history of monetary transactions and varied global currencies, past and present. 

On Entry
You are given a ticket (no entry fee though) with a bar code on it. The purpose of this ticket is to enable you to have an interactive experience with the exhibits. One such interesting feature is to be able to create a currency note or a coin with your image on it.  

Start by learning the very definition of money: 
 

Money is an abstract value or an object which serves as a means of exchange, measure and a store of value for a group, community or society. 

It reflects a system of equivalence between goods and services. If money is to be able to fulfil its functions, it must be easy to carry, durable, divisible, socially accepted and have a stable value.










Currencies on display:

 

Museum Levels
The museum is spread over 4 levels, the various sections devoted to:
Pre-monetary currency
History of money 
Global money
Production of coins and bank notes
Bullion
Role of money in one's life

Note: There is a library and Café on Floor 3.

Unique features

You can also check for special exhibitions that are organized from time to time. Don't miss the special permanent exhibit of a medieval wall called King Dinis' Wall. This is located in what was the church's former crypt. You won't simply be looking at plaster fragments of a wall though. It is a unique multimedia experience to enjoy in person - won't reveal the details here to play spoilsport!

Contact information and Address

Former church of S. Julião, Largo de S. Julião,
1100-150 Lisboa
38.7082018850, -9.138919115066
Ph: +351 213 213 240
Email: info@museudodinheiro.pt 
Website: http://www.museudodinheiro.pt/en/museum/3/money-museum 

Timings: The museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday, from 10a.m. to 6p.m. 

Annual closing dates: 1st January, 1st May, 24th December, 25th December.