Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Bragança > Bragança > Bragança > Loreto
The Graça Morais Contemporary Art Centre is situated in a central area of Bragança, in the historically known Loreto district. This cultural space is housed in a remarkable 18th-century building, the former Solar dos Veiga Cabral, also known as Solar dos Vargas. Its position in the heart of the city offers easy access, both via Rua Abílio Beça and Rua Emídio Navarro, naturally integrating into Bragança's urban fabric and its history-rich surroundings.
Inaugurated in 2008, the Graça Morais Contemporary Art Centre is the result of a highly significant architectural project conceived by the architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, recipient of the Pritzker Prize in 2011. The project skillfully harmonized the restoration and expansion of the old 18th-century manor house with the creation of new structures. The result is a space where traditional Portuguese architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries dialogues with contemporaneity, through a design where white is the dominant tone and every detail reflects the author's vision. The intervention divided the complex into three distinct bodies: the original historic building, a connecting area erected in the old manor garden, and a modern construction dedicated to major exhibitions.
This art centre aims to raise public awareness of contemporary art, both nationally and internationally, and, in particular, to promote the work of the painter Graça Morais. To this end, it features a core of seven rooms dedicated to her artistic creation, with an frequently updated exhibition program. Additionally, the centre hosts a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions, showcasing works by renowned artists and important contemporary art collections. It possesses its own collection, enriched by donations and acquisitions, which includes works by Graça Morais herself, but also by various notable names in Portuguese and foreign contemporary art, making each visit an opportunity for new artistic discoveries.
In addition to the exhibition halls, the Graça Morais Contemporary Art Centre offers areas that invite visitors to prolong their experience. There is a bookstore, which allows for deeper knowledge about the artists and themes addressed. The garden and esplanade constitute a tranquil refuge in the urban environment, ideal for a moment of pause and contemplation, serving as a pleasant complement to the enjoyment of the artworks and the local architecture. These spaces contribute to the centre's unique atmosphere, positioning it as a paradigm of contemporary architecture and art.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.8060786,-6.7560067
Coordinates DMS: 41°48'21.9"N 06°45'21.6"W
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