Gulbenkian Foundation

Portuguese philanthropic society

Also known as: Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

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June 29, 2026

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The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is a Portuguese philanthropic organization established by Calouste Gulbenkian, a wealthy Armenian oil magnate and art collector. Gulbenkian, who amassed a significant art collection of over 6,000 works, willed his collection to the foundation to be preserved and displayed. The foundation supports global initiatives in science, art, social welfare, cultural relations, health, and education. The Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, established by the foundation, showcases Gulbenkian's extensive collection, featuring ancient and modern art from various cultures and periods.12

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Lisbon
Cultural life
Another prominent cultural institution, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Museum, presents music and ballet, exhibits other fine arts, and displays the broad-ranging personal collection of its eponymous benefactor, an Armenian oil-lease negotiator who lived in Lisbon from 1942 until his death in 1955. Culturgest, a multifunctional auditorium and exhibition centre,…
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Another prominent cultural institution, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Museum, presents music and ballet, exhibits other fine arts, and displays the broad-ranging personal collection of its eponymous benefactor, an Armenian oil-lease negotiator who lived in Lisbon from 1942 until his death in 1955. Culturgest, a multifunctional auditorium and exhibition centre,…
Read More

Portugal
Cultural institutions
…is home to the vast Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Museum—considered by many to be Portugal’s best museum, with its collections of sculptures, ceramics, and paintings from around the world—and its modern art centre. Lisbon also has other notable museums covering a broad range of art, including the National Art Museum;…
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…is home to the vast Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Museum—considered by many to be Portugal’s best museum, with its collections of sculptures, ceramics, and paintings from around the world—and its modern art centre. Lisbon also has other notable museums covering a broad range of art, including the National Art Museum;…
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Portugal
Music
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (founded by and named for the oil magnate) continues to inspire much of the country’s musical life. Composers acquiring prestige both at home and abroad include António Victorino d’Almeida, Jorge Peixinho, Miguel Azguime, Pedro Amaral, and João Pedro Oliveira. Orchestras of note include…
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The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (founded by and named for the oil magnate) continues to inspire much of the country’s musical life. Composers acquiring prestige both at home and abroad include António Victorino d’Almeida, Jorge Peixinho, Miguel Azguime, Pedro Amaral, and João Pedro Oliveira. Orchestras of note include…
Read More