The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation was created in 1956 by testament of Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, philanthropist of Armenian origin. Its fundamental purpose is to improve the quality of life of people through art, charity, science and education, developing activities from its headquarters in Lisbon and the delegations in Paris and London. It has a museum, which houses the Founder's private collection and a collection of modern and contemporary art; an orchestra and a choir; an art and archive library; a scientific research institute; and a garden, which is a central area of ​​the city of Lisbon, where educational activities also take place.