A cultural oasis right in the middle of Lisbon. Created in 1956 as the last wish of Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, an Armenian philanthropist who lived in Lisbon from 1942 until the year of his death, its main purpose is to improve quality of life through art, science and education. The highlight of the Foundation is its museum, which brings together the founder’s private collection of ancient, Egyptian and Oriental art; and a collection of modern and contemporary art by British and Portuguese artists. Furthermore, there are several sculptures placed among the paths of the garden so that visitors can continue to appreciate art while taking a quiet stroll.