# Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is an Endowment / Foundation based in Lisbon, Portugal.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Endowment / Foundation
- **Headquarters:** Lisbon, Portugal
- **Region:** Europe
- **Address:** Avenida de Berna 45A, 1067-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- **Founded:** 1956
- **Assets under management:** 4602 (Altss estimate)
- **Website:** gulbenkian.pt
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/fcgulbenkian

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation was established in 1956 under the will of Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian. It maintains headquarters in Lisbon along with delegations in Paris and London. The foundation runs grant programs and direct projects in humanities, education, and sciences while preserving extensive art collections. Its investment approach covers public equities and limited private holdings. Confirmed positions include long-term stakes in EDP on Euronext Lisbon and Kongsberg Gruppen on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Past private investments encompassed Partex Oil and Gas, which was fully exited, and commitments to Portuguese vehicles such as MSM Fund and Inter-Risco. Geographic reach centers on Europe with additional activity in global grant regions including PALOP countries. The organization employs 866 professionals and maintains cultural assets including the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and Centro de Arte Moderna. It participates in networks such as Philea and the Network of European Foundations. In 2024 it sponsored the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity focused on climate and equity topics. Governance rests with a board of trustees that includes family descendants and independent members. The investment committee operates separately from grant decisions, creating a clear division between capital management and philanthropic distribution.

## Sectors

- Arts
- Education
- Science

## Offices

- Paris, France
- London, United Kingdom

## People

- António Feijó — President of the Board of Trustees
- Martin Essayan — Trustee
- Jorge Vasconcelos — Executive Trustee and President of the Investment Committee

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation?

Jorge Vasconcelos serves as Executive Trustee and President of the Investment Committee. The committee oversees the endowment portfolio separately from grant-making activities.

### Does Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

The foundation has acted as a limited partner in Portuguese vehicles including MSM Fund and Faber Blue Pioneers I. It previously owned 100 percent of Partex Oil and Gas through a holding structure before exiting that position.

### How is Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation related to its founder?

The foundation was created by the will of Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian in 1956. Current trustees include his great-grandson Martin Essayan.

### What investment stages does Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation typically target?

Disclosed activity includes early-stage and growth commitments through Portuguese funds alongside long-term public equity positions. The foundation maintains a diversified portfolio to support ongoing philanthropic distributions.

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

Canonical page: https://altss.com/profile/calouste-gulbenkian-foundation

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