Belém Cultural Center

Category: Civil Architecture > Cultural Centre

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Belém > Restelo

Location

The Belém Cultural Center is located in Praça do Império, in Belém, Lisbon.

History

Inaugurated in 1993, the CCB was initially created to host the Portuguese presidency of the European Union and then transformed into a cultural and conference center. It is an emblematic building, designed by architects Manuel Salgado and Vittorio Gregotti, which has become an important cultural hub.

Architecture

The CCB occupies an area of 97,000 square meters and is known for its contemporary architecture, with walls clad in limestone and various outdoor spaces, such as the Commenda and Water Gardens.

Spaces and Equipment

- Meeting Center: Includes the Grand Auditorium with a capacity of 1,429 people, the Small Auditorium for 310 people, and several rooms for congresses and meetings.

- Performance Center: Houses several rooms for different types of shows, such as cinema, opera and theater.

- Exhibition Center: Has galleries for exhibitions of art, design and photography.

Cultural Program

The CCB offers a wide cultural program, including exhibitions, music and theater performances. From October 2023, it will also be home to the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Gardens

The complex has several gardens, including the Olive Garden, known for its tranquil environment, the Water Garden, which gives access to the Berardo Collection Museum, and the River Garden, with views of the Tagus River.

Visits and Activities

The Belém Cultural Center organizes guided tours, conferences and events for families, especially on weekends. It is also a vibrant place with street performers and performances.

Curiosities

The CCB is equipped with advanced technology, including thousands of sensors and cables, and has several elevators and air conditioning systems.

Future

The development of a five-star hotel and new shops is planned, with construction to be financed by private investors and a 50-year concession for the new buildings.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centro_Cultural_de_Belém

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