Portuguese Business Awards 2026 Located in the Ajuda district of Lisbon, the Palace of Ajuda is an iconic landmark that symbolises the rich history of Portugal. With its construction, beginning in 1795, spanning the course of more than two centuries – distinguished by regular interruptions from natural disasters, political tension, and financial challenges – the neoclassical structure represents the period of significant shifts that transformed Portugal politically and culturally from the late 18th century through to the early 20th century. Originally built to house the royal family after the 1755 earthquake and tsunami, the Palace did not become a permanent royal residence until the latter half of the 19th century, under the reign of King Luís I and his wife, Queen Maria Pia of Savoy. Their occupancy sparked a new era for Ajuda, marked by a new mission to complete and modernise the palace whilst aligning it with contemporary standards of comfort and style. The 5 October 1910 Revolution marked the overthrow of the Portuguese monarchy and the establishment of the First Portuguese Republic, an event driven by widespread discontent with the monarchy’s inability to adapt to modern times. The royal family was forced into exile to the UK, and the Palace of Ajuda would no longer function as a royal residence. This marked the end of a long era for Ajuda, one that had played a significant role in Portugal’s legacy for over a century. In the years that followed the revolution, the Palace of Ajuda was transformed into a national heritage site. The new government recognised the palace’s cultural and historical value, and made extensive efforts to preserve its legacy for future generations. Over time, Ajuda was repurposed to serve various functions, including housing government offices and, today, it is still the official banquet house for official receptions of the President of the Portuguese Republic and where is the ceremony of the Portuguese Government taking office. Furthermore, substantial Museum of the Year 2026 For the first time ever, more than one thousand jewels and precious objects of the Portuguese Royal Crown are in permanent public display. Museu do Tesouro Real, a breathtaking museum located in the new west wing of the Ajuda National Palace, proudly displays this exhibition in one of the largest vaults in the world. We took a closer look at this awe-inspiring attraction below, as Museu do Tesouro Real is recognised in the Portuguese Business Awards 2026. AIM-Jun26056 portions of the palace were opened to the public as a museum, showcasing the many art collections, furnishings, and personal items of the monarchy. Today, the Palace of Ajuda offers tourists and history buffs a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Portugal’s royal family, providing invaluable insights into the artistic, cultural, and social aspects of the 19th century court. The palace-museum’s mission is to study, conserve, restore, enhance, and divulge the collections of the Portuguese Royal Household, in addition to safeguarding the authenticity of its interiors as an iconic historic residence. Within the new west wing of this historical building is the Museu do Tesouro Real, also known as the Royal Treasure Museum. The Museu do Tesouro Real was created to permanently exhibit a unique, internationally recognised collection of valuable assets from the former Portuguese Crown Treasure. Previously hidden in a secret place, away from the public somewhere in Lisbon, this collection is now permanently on display for visitors for the very first time since June 2022. This collection is a unique treasure of more than 22,000 gemstones, showcasing the finest European jewellery and goldsmithery from the 16th century to the early 20th century – including the most impressive 18th century European royal tableware, and one of the biggest golden nuggets ever found. Equalling the finest royal treasures in Europe, this collection stands out for its value, rarity, and historical significance, positioning Museu do Tesouro Real as a national landmark and significant reference point in European museology. The exhibition is presented across eleven distinct collections of goldsmithery, jewellery, textile, paintings, tableware, and furnishings. This is categorised as Gold and Diamonds from Brazil, Coins and Medals of the Crown, Jewels, Orders of Knighthood and Orders of Merit, Royal Insignia, The Crown’s Silver, Private Collections, Diplomatic Gifts, The Royal Chapel, Royal Table, and The Treasure’s Travels. Every single one of the 1,000+ pieces comprising these collections have undergone meticulous restoration and
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