Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art: reviews and practical tips

Visiting the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art

The Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art stands as one of the most significant institutions for contemporary art in Portugal. Located in Porto, it opened in 1999 with an inaugural exhibition titled Circa 1968, which examined the radical shifts in artistic practice across the Western world during that era. Designated a national monument in 2012, the museum aims to introduce the public to contemporary art, spanning fine arts, music, cinema, and dance. The building itself reflects a contemporary sensibility through its use of modern materials and a design that emphasizes a connection to the outdoors. The structure was designed by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira.

A contemporary art museum in Porto

The Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art features thematic collections alongside spaces reserved for temporary exhibitions. It houses 14 exhibition rooms spread across three floors. The rest of the building includes an auditorium for contemporary dance performances and film screenings. You will also find a library, a documentation center, a gift shop, and a restaurant with views of the surrounding gardens.

The permanent collections bring together works by national and international contemporary artists from the 1960s to the present. The pieces are highlighted by careful use of scale and light. Furthermore, the building is organized around sightlines that connect the interior spaces with the exterior landscape.

Strolling through the museum gardens

The museum opens onto a lush 18-hectare estate that reflects the characteristics of formal French-style gardens. The park was designed by the French architect Jacques Greber. It features landscaped areas, woodlands, a rose garden, and a lake. The grounds are adorned with sculptures by major contemporary artists. You will also find the Casa de Serralves, an iconic example of Art Deco architecture.