Porto Museum - Reservoir

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Pasteleira

Location

The Porto Museum, Reservoir is located in the Pasteleira area, a part of Porto known for its tranquility and proximity to green spaces. It is situated at Rua Gomes Eanes de Azurara, 122, next to the western entrance of the extensive Pasteleira Park, offering a serene and accessible setting within the city's urban fabric.

Architecture Revisited

This unique space was, in times past, an imposing water reservoir, erected in the late 19th century as part of the public water supply network. Its original structure, with double cisterns, is marked by an intricate set of galleries formed by arcades supported by pillars that hold up the roof. A recent architectural intervention, which respected its legacy, brought these impressive, white-painted elements to light and opened the building to the exterior through a new glazed facade. On the upper part, on the roof, there is an open-air amphitheater, a contemporary addition that harmoniously integrates with the surrounding environment.

Underground Porto: An Archaeological Journey

Inside the Reservoir, visitors are invited to a unique exploration of Porto's material history. Transformed into a hub of the City Museum, this site functions as a true "city reading machine", inviting the discovery of artifacts and archaeological remains that tell the urban evolution, from Prehistory to contemporary times. The organization of the space allows for a non-linear journey, exploring both the city's topography and its diverse temporal layers, revealing the foundations, streets, and monuments that shaped the city over centuries.

A Sensory and Contemplative Experience

More than a static exhibition space, the Reservoir offers an experience that stimulates the senses. Here, objects are not mere inert pieces, but rather links to the ways of life and thought of our ancestors. The ambiance is enriched by a singular sound project, which uses the building's natural reverberation to create an immersive acoustic landscape. This space invites careful observation, imagination, and contemplation, fostering a deep connection with the city's past and the pulse of its history.

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