Museu do Oriente (Museum of the Orient), Lisbon

Under the ownership of the influential Orient Foundation, an institution rooted in the legacy of colonial Macau and its prosperous gaming industry, this expansive museum embarks on a journey that unveils the profound cultural connections Portugal has forged with its former colonies in Macao, India, East Timor, and various other Asian nations. Housed within the grandiose walls of a vast 1930s edifice, once a cold storage facility for salted cod, a treasure trove of exhibits awaits, showcasing the cultural riches amassed over centuries. Notable highlights encompass valuable 19th-century Chinese porcelain, a mesmerizing assortment of 17th-century Chinese snuff boxes, and, from the same era, Japanese armor and intricately carved pillars from Goa.

Ascend to the top floor, where a vibrant tapestry of exhibits dedicated to the Gods of Asia unfurls before your eyes. Here, you will encounter an effervescent assemblage of religious costumes and shrines hailing from Bali and Vietnam, entwined with Taoist altars, Buddha statues, splendid Japanese Shinto masks, and Indonesian shadow puppets. Vivid depictions of Hindu deities such as Shiva, the elephant god Ganesh, and the formidable Kali, the demon goddess, are harmoniously juxtaposed with exquisite Thai amulets. Additionally, a restaurant on the top floor beckons, offering a respite and a chance to savor delectable culinary delights.