Gulbenkian Museum Reopens with Questions on Cultural Belonging

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon has reopened after a restoration of its 1969 building, prompting a reexamination of cultural ownership. Director Xavier F. Salomon discusses how the museum blurs boundaries between Asian and European objects, emphasizing exchange over strict divisions. The museum's collection, including Mamluk glass from Egypt or Syria, challenges single-origin narratives. Salomon notes that Portuguese culture itself is shaped by global connections through colonialism and trade. The reopening introduces new lighting and anti-reflective glass to enhance viewing, while the gardens remain a transitional space between climates. The museum aims to foster dialogue about heritage, identity, and the fluid nature of culture in a digital age.