Pavilion Centre of Portugal

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra

Location

The Centro de Portugal Pavilion is located in Coimbra, within the expansive Mondego River Park. This space is situated on the right bank of the Mondego River, in an area that invites leisurely strolls and enjoyment of a green and tranquil environment within the city. Its placement in the park reflects the original intention of a pavilion naturally integrated into the urban landscape.

Distinctive Architectural Features

Conceived by the acclaimed architects Álvaro Siza Vieira and Eduardo Souto de Moura, this pavilion stands out for its innovative architecture. Originally built for Expo 2000 in Hannover, Germany, the building was designed to be dismantled, allowing for its reuse. Its "L" shape organizes an access courtyard, and the main volume houses a large exhibition hall. The roof, with its undulating and organic design, is made of a double synthetic membrane, intended to allow natural light to enter, optimize thermal insulation, and ensure excellent acoustic conditions.

Externally, the pavilion is mostly clad in cork, with a section of tile, giving it an unusual and deeply Portuguese image. Cork, a material with a rough and dark appearance, offers remarkable durability and insulation, and its hue will evolve over time, darkening and turning grey, contributing to the building's changing aesthetic.

An Active Cultural Space

Today, the Centro de Portugal Pavilion asserts itself as a vibrant space dedicated to culture in the city of Coimbra. It is the headquarters of the Orquestra Clássica do Centro, the entity also responsible for its management and the organization of cultural activities. The pavilion regularly hosts various exhibitions, musical performances, and other artistic events, offering visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse cultural agenda in a unique and architecturally significant setting.

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