Contemporary art lovers now have more and more places all around the world to check out the best of what this avant-garde style has to offer. One of the best locations on Earth for those who like contemporary art is undoubtedly Serralves in Porto, Portugal.
This art foundation opened in 1999 and features a large complex containing a world-class art museum, various buildings, gardens, and a large farm. All of these parts of the complex have been seamlessly fused to create a wonderful experience for art lovers.
The Serralves Museum, the second most-visited museum in all of Portugal, contains three exhibition spaces which are all changed quarterly, featuring some of the best contemporary artists on the planet. For example, Japanese multimedia artist Yoko Ono and American photographer Arthur Jafa currently both have temporary exhibitions on display at the museum.
Outside of the museum, there’s plenty to see too. The Casa Serralves and its chapel were previously built on the site of the foundation at the turn of the 20th century for a noble family, and can now be visited as intact examples of Art Deco architecture.
The gardens of the park feature both exotic and native trees and plants as well as a collection of modernist sculptures and art pieces which can be found scattered throughout the gardens.
Another fantastic experience for visitors is the Serralves Tree Walk, a short walk on platforms built amidst the treetops of the park which gives you a panoramic view of the park’s grounds and lakes. It’s included in the park’s 20 euro admission fee, and definitely something you shouldn’t skip out on!
Serralves is open from 10 am to 7 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 8 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s located at Rua Dom João de Castro 210 in Porto, and can be accessed via the 201, 203, 502 and 504 city bus lines or by car. Enjoy your visit!
