Lisbon is home to a host of museums, albeit some are a bit different than the ones you might find in other major European cities.

From properties dedicated to money, electricity, and trams, to buildings that house historic costumes, collector’s items, and autopsy rooms, here are a few of the unusual (but no-less impressive) museums in the Portuguese capital.

MONEY MUSEUM (Museu do Dinheiro)

Are you fascinated by money? Well, you’re not the only one. The Money Museum showcases a wide variety of currency, along with a detailed account of money’s history and evolution in Portugal and the world at large. The exhibitions also examine money’s relationship with societies, individuals, and banking institutions. Located in a restored church, the museum boasts stunning architecture, interactive and modern exhibits, and free entry.

Hours: Open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Address: Rua de S. Julião 150, 1100-150 Lisboa

Photo by Kathryn Lamont
Photo by Raquel Nunes

NATIONAL COACH MUSEUM (Museu Nacional dos Coches)

Created by Queen Amélia of Portugal in 1905, the National Coach Museum is home to the most ornate (and valuable) collection of royal coaches and carriages in the world. The museum is located on the Afonso de Albuquerque Square in Lisbon’s Belém district, and showcases the span of carriage development from the 16th to 19th century — not only in Portugal, but across all of Europe.

Hours: Open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Address: Av. da Índia 136, 1300-004 Lisboa

PRAZERES CEMETERY AND MUSEUM

Although cemeteries aren’t usually museums, Prazeres Cemetery is an exception. The cemetery grounds stand as the only open-air museum in Lisbon and feature the largest and oldest collection of cypress trees on the Iberian peninsula, some of the most elaborate mausoleums and tombs in all of Portugal, and the graves of many famous Portuguese figures. The 19th-century burial site also offers an impressive view of Lisbon and beyond — but if you’re feeling brave, head to the Prazeres Chapel and visit the building’s old autopsy room.

Hours: Open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: Praça São João Bosco 568, 1350-295 Lisboa

Photo by Manuela Medici
Photo by Jarek Sawiuk
Photo by Andre Pedro

ELECTRICITY MUSEUM (Museu da Eletricidade)

Located in the thermoelectric factory that once powered all of Lisbon, this museum is shockingly fascinating. The plant was originally built across multiple decades in the early 20th century, but was finally finished in the 1950s. During its prime, the power complex kept the entire city running and stood as a stunning example of industrial architecture. Eventually, the power plant became obsolete, but its importance was not forgotten. Today, the old machines remain on display but are joined by several interactive exhibits about electricity, as well as a rotating contemporary art exhibit.

Hours: Open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Address: Av. de Brasília, Central Tejo. 1300-598 Lisboa

Photo by Tiago Taveira

CARRIS MUSEUM (Museu da Carris)

Take a journey through time on an old tram. The CARRIS Museum is dedicated to telling stories of everyday life in Lisbon through the memory of the CARRIS vehicles that ran through the city. With old tickets, uniforms, and photographs, visitors are ushered through exhibits and workshops that present the history of Lisbon’s public transport.

Hours: Open Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Address: Rua 1º de Maio, 101-103, 1300-472 Lisboa

MEDEIROS E ALMEIDA HOUSE MUSEUM (Casa-Museu Medeiros e Almeida)

One of Lisbon’s most outstanding but lesser-known museums, the former residence of Antonio Medeiros e Almeida houses a priceless collection of 17th to 20th-century fine arts. Displayed throughout 25 rooms, the exhibits feature furniture, silverware, paintings, sculptures, pocket-watches, and over 800 pieces of porcelain china decorated with ancient Portuguese symbols. If you like rare relics, look no further than this treasure trove of collector’s items.

Hours: Open Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Address: R. Rosa Araújo 41, 1250-008 Lisboa

Photo by Ryan Rastedt
Photo by Manuel Ramalho

THE NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM OF LISBON (Museu Nacional de Arqueologia)

Located next to Jerónimos Monastery in the district of Belém, the National Archaeology Museum of Lisbon contains the most impressive archaeological collection in Portugal and stands as one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient art found on the Iberian Peninsula. The museum was originally founded by renowned archaeologist José Leite de Vasconcelos in 1893 and features artifacts that date from the Palaeolithic Period to the Middle Ages. To top it all off, admission is free on Sunday mornings.

Hours: Open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Address: Praça do Império, 1400-026 Lisboa

Photo by Brandon Ling

THE NATIONAL COSTUME MUSEUM (Museu Nacional do Traje e da Moda)

Housed in Monteiro-Mor Palace, the National Costume Museum is set apart by its collection of historical costumes dating back to the 18th century. It first opened its gates in 1977, and the current collection counts tens of thousands of individual items. Aside from clothing, the exhibit also includes accessories, toys, and pieces related to the history and development of the textile industry, some of which date back to the 14th century. But whether you’re a fashion aficionado or not, the museum is well worth a visit for its fine architectural style.

Hours: Open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Address: Largo Júlio Castilho 1, 1600-483 Lisboa

Photo by Angelo Lourenco

PHARMACY MUSEUM (Museu da Farmacia)

Established in 1996, the Pharmacy Museum is comprised of the private collection of Dr. Salgueiro Basso and contains several exhibits that feature medieval relics, bottles of secret medicines, pharmacopeias, 17th-century earthenware, and reconstructions of ancient pharmacies from different cultures. All in all, it’s the ideal museum for anyone interested in history, medicine, and all things pharmaceutical.

Hours: Open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Address: R. Mal. Saldanha 1, 1249-069 Lisboa

Photo by Rita Campos
Photo by Grafika Wave