The demeanor of the male staff member at the ticket desk of the Story Center left much to be desired! I presented my Lisbon card, and he persistently questioned when I first utilized it. The weather was dreadful that day, with heavy rain making everything quite chaotic. I couldn't exactly recall if I had used it around 2 or 3 o'clock. Under his continuous inquiries, I simply replied that it was around 2 o'clock. He noted the time on my card and insisted I sign it. I had already paid for my ticket; why would he imply that I had stolen it? It was exasperating! Even though it was past 4 PM, with more than two hours until closing, he continually rushed me to go in, claiming the storytelling house was near its closing time. This was troublesome! If you find yourself at the Story Center and encounter this unpleasant male staff member, please confront him and urge him to improve his attitude.
The display of Lisbon's history was rather dull. The introductory videos were not worth the time, particularly the segments on early Phoenician and Roman history which were hardly detailed. The earthquake film appeared technically outdated. Following the movie, the entire experience seemed lacking, and I was astonished by the concept along with the admission price, especially for those without a Lisboa card. I likely learned nothing that I hadn’t already gleaned from the tourist guide on the flight to Lisbon. Additionally, the staff at the ticket counter were slow, leading to unnecessary waiting in line. Honestly, visiting this place is not recommended, not even with the Lisboa card.
The exhibition was quite captivating, showcasing the history of Lisbon. Visitors receive an audio set and can explore each room independently. As you approach a specific area, the audio guide begins to narrate an associated story. However, it was often confusing determining what to watch, especially when multiple monitors or exhibits were present in a room. This aspect should be refined.
The reception staff, particularly the helpful and kind ladies, made a positive difference!
The experience was interesting and informative. An audio headset is provided for the commentary as you wander through various historical aspects of Lisbon. The earthquake film was well done.
This multimedial experience provided a delightful immersion into Lisbon's history. Instead of reading through extensive texts, the 1.5-hour tour was conducted by an automated audio guide available in multiple languages. The only drawback I had was that Portugal's colonialism was presented solely from a positive perspective; I believe it also involved the exploitation of other nations, often employing harsh methods.
