Manoel de Oliveira Cinema House

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Mouteira

Location

The Manoel de Oliveira House of Cinema is located in the city of Porto, in an area that harmoniously dialogues with nature and built heritage. More specifically, it is situated within the renowned Serralves Foundation's premises, on the eastern edge of its vast park. Its position allows for a careful integration with the surrounding environment, offering visitors the opportunity to appreciate panoramic views over the surrounding gardens, an element that contributes to the experience of the place.

Homage and Legacy

This building was conceived as a lasting tribute to the work of Manoel de Oliveira, a central figure in Portuguese and world cinema. The House of Cinema functions as a cultural hub dedicated to moving images, taking on the mission to preserve and disseminate the legacy of this filmmaker. It houses a substantial part of his extraordinary personal archive, which includes drafts, scripts, correspondence, photographs, awards, and other documents, allowing for an in-depth look into Oliveira's creative process.

Architecture and Environment

The architectural project was designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira, distinguished by his careful approach in adapting and expanding an old garage of the Serralves House. The architecture seeks visual and conceptual continuity with the existing heritage, preserving the original character of the place while introducing a new volume. A long open gallery stands out, not only connecting the different spaces but also offering visitors a privileged perspective over the surrounding garden, emphasizing the relationship between the building and the landscape.

A Space for Cinema and Reflection

Inside, the Manoel de Oliveira House of Cinema offers a wide cultural program. One can find spaces for permanent exhibitions dedicated to the filmmaker's work, as well as temporary shows exploring different aspects of contemporary cinema. The venue features an auditorium for regular film screenings and thematic cycles, a documentation center, and research areas. The aim here is to stimulate a broad reflection on the art of our time, inviting a close contact with the universe of cinema and its history.

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