visit > museums & galleries

It is at the mouth of Porto, far from the bustling city center, that we find one of the biggest cultural promoters of Porto. The Serralves Foundation, founded in 1989, holds one of the most valuable historical and cultural heritage, which we are invited to explore through various spaces, such as the Museum, the Villa and the Park.

The Serralves’ Park and buildings were jointly classified as a "National Monument” in 2012 since they are already very well known to the population, and this is a visit that we strongly recommend to all lovers of contemporary art.

The Serralves Museum was designed by the renowned architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, and opened in 1991. Despite being a modern project, the building is harmoniously integrated into the surrounding environment. Here, the art and creativity of several national and international artists are promoted, who, like the building, present versatile and unpredictable works of intervention. Whether or not you are passionate about art, the Museum should be a mandatory stop to absorb the culture that emanates from its walls.

The Serralves Villa, on the other hand, reflects memories from the past and seems to take us on a journey through time. The Villa dates back to the 1930s, and it is an excellent and essential example of Art Deco. Its unique and extraordinary atmosphere is the result of the intervention of leading figures of the time - such as Marques da Silva, Charles Siclis, Jacques Émile Ruhlmann, René Lalique and Edgar Brandt. It is impossible to stay indifferent to every little detail that so subtly captures our attention. After serving its purpose as a private dwelling for years, the Villa was renovated under the supervision of Siza Vieira, who turned it into an exhibition stage for projects integrated in the Museum's program. In other words, it is, by itself, a Museum!

Finally, the incredible 18-hectare park... If on the one hand we can think of it as a "lung" of the city, on the other, it also takes our breath away as we walk through its so distinct and diverse spaces. The Park was designed by the French architect Jacques Gréber at the time of the construction of the Villa, and it quickly became a unique reference in landscape heritage in Portugal. Currently, it is possible to participate in an event organized to visit it, but we recommend a free tour to explore different routes in contact with nature. The Gardens and the Park are also a museum setting since there are works from the Serralves Foundation Collection in permanent exhibition.

Every part of the Foundation has its own value, mission, history, character and personality. Benefits reflected in the numerous awards that the Foundation already holds. It's worth spending a few hours of the day to get to know this cool space and make an unforgettable journey through space and time.

Cool Tip: Besides the various events hosted there, such as the well-known "Serralves em Festa", the Foundation now has another aspect that we must reference: the "Treetop Walk", a set of walkways in the trees that offer a unique view of the Park and are particularly magical at night!