Coimbra Plastic Arts Circle - Mermaid Circle

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Arts Centre

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra > Calhabé

Location

The Círculo Sereia is located in the Calhabé area of Coimbra. Its setting offers a unique connection with the Jardim da Sereia (Mermaid Garden), an element that frames and influences the visitor's experience within the space. This context provides a tranquil environment and a singular perspective, where art dialogues with the natural surroundings.

The Space and its Architecture

The Círculo Sereia occupies a site that once served as an archive for the Coimbra Municipal Library. The architectural intervention that transformed it aimed to create a unique environment for the exhibition of contemporary art. Large wall panels were erected to optimize the exhibition area, respecting the original structure of the building.

One of the most striking features of the project lies in the opening of a west-facing wall, allowing for a fusion between the interior and exterior. Natural light, softly filtered by the tree canopies of the adjacent garden, bathes the rooms, creating a distinct atmosphere and a continuous visual connection with the surrounding landscape. The chosen materials, such as the ceiling with coarse scraped plaster and the smoothed concrete floor in its natural color, contribute to a refined and functional aesthetic, adapted to the demands of contemporary art. Inside, a small auditorium and a bookstore area, clad in wood, complement the main space, giving them discreet functionality and a welcoming appearance.

Mission and Cultural Activity

As one of the pillars of the Círculo de Artes Plásticas de Coimbra (Coimbra Visual Arts Circle), the Círculo Sereia is dedicated to the promotion and presentation of contemporary art. Its exhibition program is dynamic, regularly featuring shows by diverse artists, both from the national and international scene. This cultural space actively contributes to the artistic life of the city, offering visitors the opportunity to explore various current artistic expressions and trends.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt