AXA Galleries

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Artwork

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Centro Histórico

Location

The AXA Galleries are located in the vibrant heart of Porto's Historic Centre, integrated into an emblematic building that shapes the city's urban landscape. Strategically situated between the bustling Avenida dos Aliados and the more discreet Rua de Rodrigues Sampaio, they function as a covered passage connecting these two important arteries, offering an alternative and protected route.

Their location gives them a unique role in the urban fabric, providing a transition space amidst an area of great dynamism. These galleries allow those who pass through them a glimpse of the architecture that defines Porto's center, in an area where paths and city life converge.

Architectural Genesis

The design of the AXA Galleries is part of the construction of one of Porto's most notable modernist architectural buildings, erected in the mid-20th century. Designed by architect Artur Andrade, they represent a significant example of the design of their era, characterized by functionality and the clean aesthetic that marked the first half of the century.

As a prominent architectural element, the galleries are distinguished by their glass and iron roof, which allows abundant natural light to enter, and by the discreet decorative details that adorn their interiors, reflecting the elegance of the Art Deco movement adapted to the Porto urban context. This space is not merely a passageway but a manifestation of the urban planning vision and design of that period.

Urban Character and Expression

The AXA Galleries offer a distinct atmosphere, where the city's hustle and bustle softens, inviting a pause and observation. Constituting an important pedestrian link, this covered space asserts itself as an integral element of Porto's daily life, albeit with its own identity, distinct from the streets that flank it.

Its innovative design for the time and the way it integrates into the block reveal a concern for movement fluidity and the creation of interior public spaces. As a testament to the city's architectural evolution, these galleries are a point of interest for those who appreciate the value of design and the urban history that shaped the Historic Centre.

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