From 1911, the year in which it was founded, the Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea – Museu do Chiado was based in the former convent of São Francisco da Cidade, a complex that had been severely damaged by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. However, following a fire that tore through the area in 1988, the museum was renovated and extended under the direction of the French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, and re-inaugurated in 1994. The MNAC is a must-see for those wanting to learn about and enjoy Portuguese romantic, naturalist, modern and contemporary art, in the form of seminal pieces from the leading art movements from the second half of the 19th century to the present day. The temporary exhibitions programme forms an important part of the museum’s activity, which also includes guided tours, conferences, seminars and concerts alongside learning projects developed by the education service.