Portugal to Create Museum of 20th Century Art

Portugal is to create a museum of 20th century art after it signed a deal with a tycoon to allow works by artists such as Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso to go on display.

The agreement between the Portuguese government and tycoon Joe Berardo will mean the 900-piece art collection can go on display at the Belem Cultural Centre near Lisbon.

Other famous works on display include those of Spanish artist Joan Miro, Jeff Koons and innovative artist Francis Bacon,

The government has predicted that the works will be one of the world's finest collections of modern art because it will include pieces from all the main movements.

'If we don't plant seeds to get great things, we won't even get little things. I'd like to make this one of the great museums of the world,' Mr Berardo said at the opening ceremony.

Isabel Pires de Lima, the Portuguese culture minister, comments that the museum, which is set to open by the end of the year, would be step in the right direction for the country's tourism.

The collection includes 4,000 pieces, which includes porcelain, coins and books.

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Updated: Fri, 07 Apr 2006 00:00:00

Related Links:
Portugal Tourist Board