Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Açores > Ribeira Grande > Ribeira Grande > Conceição
The Arquipélago, Arts Center is situated in the Conceição urbanization, in the city of Ribeira Grande, on the island of São Miguel. It is located in an urban area, central to the municipality of Ribeira Grande, and its presence contributes significantly to the cultural environment and landscape of the locality.
This cultural complex is a remarkable example of how a place's past can be transformed and integrated into the present. Arquipélago occupies the space of an old alcohol and tobacco factory, retaining its original industrial character while being reinvented for a new purpose. This transformation resulted in a balanced fusion between historical structures and new architectural elements.
Arquipélago's visual identity results from the serene coexistence between the pre-existing construction and the two more recent buildings. The older parts of the complex are easily identifiable by their distinct volcanic stone masonry. In contrast, the new constructions are characterized by a more abstract form, using concrete with local basalt aggregates, which offers a continuous variation of textures and roughness, subtly linking them to the island's geology. This approach creates a harmonious dialogue between different eras and materials.
Beyond its architecture, the Arquipélago, Arts Center is a vibrant meeting point for contemporary culture. Its mission is to disseminate, create, and produce emerging artistic expressions, functioning as a space for the exchange of people, knowledge, and events. Its facilities include areas dedicated to art exhibitions, performances, laboratories, and creative studios, providing an environment conducive to innovation and the sharing of ideas.
In the center of the complex, there is a square or courtyard that plays an important role as a new public space. This place was designed to welcome visitors and allow art to feel accessible, inviting conviviality. It is a point where the boundaries between public and private space, leisure and work, and art and daily life become more fluid, creating an inviting environment for interaction and cultural enjoyment.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.8186698,-25.528777
Coordinates DMS: 37°49'7.2"N 25°31'43.6"W
Weather Ribeira Grande
On-duty Pharmacy Ribeira Grande
