Jardim Bordalo Pinheiro: Lisbon's Ceramic Animal Garden
Jardim Bordalo Pinheiro is a walled garden near Campo Grande scattered with oversized ceramic creatures by the 19th-century artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro. Snails, lizards, frogs and crabs climb the walls and lurk in the hedges, and it barely registers with visitors who stay downtown.
Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL · CC BY-SA 2.0In Hidden Gems in Lisbon · Campo Grande · Last updated 2 June 2026
- A whimsical sculpture garden of giant, colourful ceramic animals
- Set in the grounds of the Museu de Lisboa's Pimenta Palace near Campo Grande
- Free to enter the garden, with the adjoining museum ticketed
- Snails, lizards, frogs and crabs among the hedges, with live peacocks strutting between them
What is Jardim Bordalo Pinheiro
Jardim Bordalo Pinheiro is a walled garden tucked within the grounds of the Museu de Lisboa's Pimenta Palace, near Campo Grande in the north of the city. It celebrates Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, the 19th-century Portuguese artist and ceramicist famous for his playful, lifelike animal pottery. Across the garden, oversized ceramic creatures are everywhere you look, snails, lizards, frogs and crabs climbing the walls and lurking in the hedges.
The effect is gentle and surreal, like stepping into a slightly off-kilter fairy tale. Live peacocks strut between the sculptures, the colours of the glazed pottery catch the light, and the whole place feels designed to make you smile. It is small enough to wander in half an hour, yet full of details that reward a slow look.
Why Jardim Bordalo Pinheiro stays a hidden gem
The garden sits well north of the historic centre, away from the trams and the riverside crowds, so it barely registers with visitors who stay downtown. Most travellers never make it this far, which is exactly why it stays so peaceful even on busy days in the city.
It is a whimsical sculpture garden that delights kids and adults alike, and getting there is half the fun. For anyone who wants a calm, off-beat couple of hours away from the usual sights, the ceramic animals of Jardim Bordalo Pinheiro are well worth the short trip out.
Visiting and finding the garden
The garden lies in the grounds of the Pimenta Palace, home to part of the Museu de Lisboa, near Campo Grande. The garden itself is free to enter, while the museum inside the palace is ticketed, so you can enjoy the ceramic animals without paying if you only want the outdoor experience.
Opening is tied to the museum, so the garden generally follows the same pattern, typically open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays. It is easy to combine with a stroll around the wider Campo Grande area, making for a relaxed half-day away from the downtown bustle.
Know before you go
- Look closely at the hedges and walls, the ceramic creatures are hidden throughout.
- Visit on a weekday for the calmest experience, the garden is quiet most days.
- The garden is free, so you can skip the museum ticket if you only want the sculptures.
Where Jardim Bordalo Pinheiro is
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Jardim Bordalo Pinheiro: frequently asked questions
What is Jardim Bordalo Pinheiro in Lisbon?
Jardim Bordalo Pinheiro is a walled garden near Campo Grande filled with giant ceramic animals by the 19th-century artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro. It sits in the grounds of the Museu de Lisboa's Pimenta Palace and feels like a slightly surreal fairy tale.
Is Jardim Bordalo Pinheiro free to visit?
The garden itself is free to enter. The museum inside the adjoining Pimenta Palace is ticketed, so you can enjoy the ceramic animals outdoors without paying if you only want the garden.
What are the Jardim Bordalo Pinheiro opening hours?
Opening is tied to the museum, so the garden generally follows the same pattern, typically open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays. Check the latest museum times before you go.
Where is Jardim Bordalo Pinheiro?
It is in the grounds of the Pimenta Palace, home to part of the Museu de Lisboa, near Campo Grande in the north of Lisbon, away from the historic downtown.
Is Jardim Bordalo Pinheiro worth visiting?
Yes, especially as the garden is free and far quieter than the downtown sights. The giant ceramic animals delight both kids and adults, making it a charming, off-beat detour.
More hidden gems in Lisbon
Sources and further reading: Wikipedia: Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro.