Located within the old Aljube prison, which served as a political prison for the Estado Novo regime between 1928 and 1965, the museum is dedicated to the memory of the struggle against the dictatorship, and the resistance of those who fought to defend freedom and democracy.
The permanent exhibition provides a portrait of the Portuguese dictatorship (1926-1974), its forms of repression and oppression, the resistance of the opposition movement, the anti-colonial struggle and the 25th April Revolution of 1974. The museum also has a space for temporary exhibitions, an auditorium and, on level -1, a display of archaeological objects dating back to the period of the Roman occupation. The top-floor balcony features panoramic views over Lisbon Cathedral (Sé) and the Tagus River.
The museum also has an educational service which holds and produces events and activities relating to historical remembrance and democratic citizenship for school pupils of all ages.
