The deposit agreement for the Francisco Capelo Collection was signed between the Portuguese government, the Belém Cultural Centre Foundation and the collector in 1The creation of the museum also encouraged the presentation of temporary international exhibitions dedicated to design.

The collection’s growth and excellence led to the museum’s upgrading in 2002, including new pieces and a new layout. At the same time, the temporary exhibition “7 Environments/7 Designers” was organized presenting seven themes entirely comprised of pieces from the collection, demonstrating residential trends of the last half of the 20th century.

The Lisbon City Council (CML) purchased the collection in December 2002, while the Design Museum remained open at the Belém Cultural Centre (CCB) until August 2006.