Portugal is raising admission prices for most of the museums managed by the state agency Museums and Monuments of Portugal, with some prices doubling or increasing by 50%. The changes take effect January 1st.
The biggest percentage increases, doubling the price from €5 to €10, are for the National Museum of Ethnology and the National Museum of Music. The biggest increase in number, €7, include some of the most-visited and best-known attractions, including the Belem Tower, the National Coach Museum (above), the National Archaeology Museum and several national palaces, which will now cost €15. Perhaps the most famous, the Jeronimos Monastery in Belem will go from €12 to €18. Smaller or no increases apply to other museums.
While the increases are steep, they may have little effect on Portuguese citizens; under a new plan begun last summer, they are entitled to 52 free admissions per year, on days of their choice, at the MMP locations. As well, there is free admission for under-12s, school groups and unemployed.