The Water Museum is housed in a series of monuments and buildings built during the 18th and 19th centuries that represent an important chapter in the history of water supply in the city of Lisbon:
In addition to showcasing the heritage spaces which offer visitors a unique path through the water channels in the city of Lisbon, the Water Museum houses a permanent collection in the Barbadinhos Steam Pumping Station building which allows, on the one hand, to understand the relationship between the various spaces that make up this Museum and, on the other, get to know an array of water-related subjects.
The Water Museum’s permanent collection is divided into seven subjects that address water in its multiple shapes and ties:
- Water on planet Earth
- The historical framework of the supply of water, particularly focusing on the city of Lisbon
- Águas Livres Aqueduct
- From Companhia das Águas de Lisboa to Empresa Portuguesa das Águas Livres
- Water and natural sciences: The Water Cycle
- Water and technology: The Urban Water Cycle – water treatment for human consumption and waste water treatment
- Water sustainable plan
- Education and environmental awareness