SERRALVES
One of the city’s most visited attractions, Serralves comprises an Art Deco villa, a contemporary art museum and 18 ha (44 acres) of landscaped gardens. The museum was designed by Porto architect Álvaro Siza Vieira in 1911 in his signature modernist style. Inside, the permanent collection sits alongside regularly changing exhibitions that celebrate both local and international artists, while sculptures and ornate fountains pepper the extensive grounds that surround the complex.
NEED TO KNOW
Rua D. João de Castro, 210 • 226 156 500 • www.serralves.pt • Open Apr–Sep: 10am–7pm Mon–Fri, 10am–8pm Sat–Sun and public hols; Oct–Mar: 10am–6pm Mon–Fri, 10am–7pm Sat–Sun and public hols; closed 25 Dec and 1 Jan • Adm €18 including the Museu de Serralves, Casa de Serralves and park; €12 for just the museum and park; €12 for just the Casa de Serralves and park; €5 for just the park
- There is free entry to the complex from 10am to 1pm on the first Sunday of each month.
- Stop for lunch in the museum’s restaurant, or bring a picnic and find a spot in the garden.
1. Serralves em Festa
This is the biggest contemporary art festival in Portugal, attracting thousands of visitors every year in summer. Activities and events, including music, contemporary dance, film, architecture and theatre, take place around the grounds of the complex.
2. Museu de Serralves
First opened in 1999, the contemporary art museum specializes in artwork from the 1960s to the present day. There are also several temporary exhibitions held throughout the year.
A colourful exhibit at the Museu de Serralves
3. Casa de Serralves
Built between 1925 and 1944, the Casa de Serralves, a distinctive pink Art Deco villa, was the home of Carlos Alberto Cabral, second Count of Vizela. It is now an extension of the Museu de Serralves and displays exhibitions throughout the year.
The Art Deco exterior of Casa de Serralves
4. Weekend Workshops
Regular weekend workshops allow children and adults to get creative in an inspirational setting. Check online to find upcoming sessions.
5. Parque de Serralves
The parkland that surrounds the museum and villa comprises numerous interconnected gardens, a lake and a traditional farm. There are sculptures dotted throughout the park, like this poignant piece by artist Joana Vasconcelos. Titled “Marilyn”, the stiletto heels are actually made of saucepans. Allow plenty of time to explore the many footpaths and areas within these extensive grounds.
The Marilyn, a sculpture at Parque de Serralves
6. Casa do Cinema Manoel de Oliveira
Disused garages were converted into this auditorium and research space in 2019. The cinema, named after the celebrated Portuguese director and screenwriter, showcases independent film.
7. Bookshop
Specializing in books on contemporary artists, this shop also sells postcards, prints, and in-house publications related to the ongoing exhibitions, covering a wide range of topics including architecture, design, photography, contemporary dance, performing arts, fine art and cinema. There is also a good selection of titles for children.
8. Events
There is a busy calendar of events held throughout the year here, from family favourites such as the annual Autumn Festival to late-night music concerts and dance performances.
9. Chapel
Cabral inherited the property from his father on the condition that the 19th-century chapel be kept and maintained. Its new Art Deco exterior complements the villa perfectly.
10. Library
The library has a great collection of about 35,000 titles on a variety of topics including contemporary art, landscape gardening, and photography.
The library at Serralves
