A journey into the city

The exhibition on the ground floor of the Museum of Lisbon - Palácio Pimenta explores the evolution of Lisbon. It examines how this city, which has grown by looking outwards towards the river, developed from the Palaeolithic period over one hundred thousand years ago – when Lisbon and its surrounding area were first settled – to the end of the 20^th century.

Structured in a non-linear chronological order, the exhibition unveils different stages of the city's urbandevelopment, complemented by aspects of daily life, important architectural landmarks and heritga recovered from archaeological excavations. These objects and contexts help us to understand the socio-economic dynamics of an ever-changing city which played an important global economic and cultural role from the 15^th to the 18^th century.

Measuring 10m in length by 4m in width and numbering 10,000 miniature buildings, the Model of Lisbon before the 1755 Earthquake, is one of the museum’s most iconic exhibits.

In addition to the chronological journey, Lisbon's influence on the global phenomenon of slavery and the daily life of the enslaved African population in the city, the role of the Inquisition, an institution widely represented in Lisbon's iconography and which between the 16^th and 19^th centuries shaped daily life in the city, and ceramics and its importance in building Lisbon's identity, are some of the themes highlighted.

In addition to the almost 800 pieces on display, there are 3D reconstructions, videos, texts and associated drawings in showcases, on walls and inside drawers. Specific content designed for children can be found there.