Centro Cultural de Belem (Belem Cultural Center), Lisbon
Situated between the Tagus River and the Jer贸nimos Monastery, this contemporary and stylish building, crafted from pink marble, was constructed to serve as the headquarters for the Portuguese presidency of the European Community. It was conceived by a collaboration between Italian and Portuguese architects, Vittorio Gregotti and Manuel Salgado, and earned recognition by winning the International Stone Architecture Award at the Verona Fair in 1993. In that same year, it transformed into a cultural center that offers a diverse range of artistic experiences, encompassing performing arts, music, and photography. Inside its premises lies an exhibition center that houses the Berardo Collection Museum ("Museu Colec莽茫o Berardo").
Spanning an expansive 97,000 square meters, the CCB radiates an open, airy, and spacious ambiance, setting it apart from many other significant art galleries, which often feel confined by comparison. Its remarkable collection of modern and contemporary art, spanning from the 1960s to the present day, showcases an array of valuable artworks, including pieces by renowned artists such as Picasso and Warhol. This collection continually thrives, enriched by frequent visiting exhibitions, live outdoor performances, and indoor concerts. Nevertheless, the sheer aesthetic delight of the interior space is a marvel in itself.
The building's architectural lines are truly exceptional, and even its external features, including walkways and gardens that offer scenic views of the waterfront, deserve high praise. One of the gardens boasts undulating grassy "waves" where visitors can recline on beanbags beneath olive trees while enjoying breathtaking vistas of the river, the '25 of April' bridge (designed by the same architect as San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge), and the Christo Rei statue. The other garden boasts a Henry Moore sculpture that seamlessly integrates into its surroundings. Additionally, the CCB provides a bar and a restaurant, or you can opt for the charming caf茅 adjacent to the gift shop to savor some delectable rolls and pastries.
Tip:
If you're interested in participating in a workshop or attending an evening concert at this venue, please review the timetable. Additionally, consider planning your visit for a Saturday to take advantage of complimentary access to the Berardo Collection Museum, acclaimed as the "Most Visited Museum in Portugal" as of April 2019.
Spanning an expansive 97,000 square meters, the CCB radiates an open, airy, and spacious ambiance, setting it apart from many other significant art galleries, which often feel confined by comparison. Its remarkable collection of modern and contemporary art, spanning from the 1960s to the present day, showcases an array of valuable artworks, including pieces by renowned artists such as Picasso and Warhol. This collection continually thrives, enriched by frequent visiting exhibitions, live outdoor performances, and indoor concerts. Nevertheless, the sheer aesthetic delight of the interior space is a marvel in itself.
The building's architectural lines are truly exceptional, and even its external features, including walkways and gardens that offer scenic views of the waterfront, deserve high praise. One of the gardens boasts undulating grassy "waves" where visitors can recline on beanbags beneath olive trees while enjoying breathtaking vistas of the river, the '25 of April' bridge (designed by the same architect as San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge), and the Christo Rei statue. The other garden boasts a Henry Moore sculpture that seamlessly integrates into its surroundings. Additionally, the CCB provides a bar and a restaurant, or you can opt for the charming caf茅 adjacent to the gift shop to savor some delectable rolls and pastries.
Tip:
If you're interested in participating in a workshop or attending an evening concert at this venue, please review the timetable. Additionally, consider planning your visit for a Saturday to take advantage of complimentary access to the Berardo Collection Museum, acclaimed as the "Most Visited Museum in Portugal" as of April 2019.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lisbon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Centro Cultural de Belem (Belem Cultural Center) on Map
Sight Name: Centro Cultural de Belem (Belem Cultural Center)
Sight Location: Lisbon, Portugal (See walking tours in Lisbon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lisbon, Portugal (See walking tours in Lisbon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lisbon, Portugal
Create Your Own Walk in Lisbon
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lisbon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Belem Walking Tour
Also known as Santa Maria de Belem, the district of Belem is one of the most visited in Lisbon. Situated not far from the city center, it lines the Tagus River and is the original location of Lisbon's port 鈥� the starting point of the many great voyages of discovery by Portuguese explorers, such as Vasco da Gama 鈥� departed from here for India in 1497, and Pedro Alvares Cabral 鈥� for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Sao Jorge Castle to Lisbon Cathedral Walking Tour
Spreading on the slope between Saint George's Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge) and the Tagus River, the oldest neighborhood of the Portuguese capital, Alfama, captivates visitors with its rich cultural heritage and picturesque ambiance. The area is home to numerous historical attractions and as such makes a perfect destination for a classic Lisbon walk!
Perhaps the best starting point for it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Perhaps the best starting point for it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Alfama Walking Tour
Alfama, the oldest district of Lisbon, spreads downhill along the Tagus River. It retains a charmingly labyrinthine layout with narrow alleys and steep streets. Under Islamic rule, this part of the city was increasingly inhabited by fishermen and the poor. The reputation of being a poor area still lives on. The name Alfama derives from the Arabic al-岣mma, which means "hot fountains"... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Lisbon Introduction Walking Tour
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking viewpoints. Its name is believed to have originated from the Phoenician term "Allis Ubbo", which means "safe harbor," reflecting the city's importance as a maritime hub since ancient times. Nestled at Europe's western edge and abundant in architectural styles, Lisbon... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
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