In the gardens of the Palace of the Viscount of Villar d’Allen, designed by Marques da Silva in 1927, is Casa das Artes (House of Arts).
This cultural equipment was designed by Eduardo Souto de Moura in 1981 and was the first public competition that the architect won. Casa das Artes was completed finished in 1991 and consists of an exhibition hall and two rooms for conferences and concerts, together with a area in the basement.
The project won the Secil Prize and it stands out for its integration with its surroundings. The building has a very simple and discreet beauty, and it’s considered one of the most notorious works on Souto de Moura’ career. Casa das Artes has a clear modern influence and keep local traditions in terms of materials and forms, which we can say it’s a great characteristic of Souto de Moura works.
This great work is part of our Architecture Tour, so if you’re into modern and contemporary architecture don’t waste your time and book a tour with us! We will show you this and many more awesome works made by our two Pritzker Prize winners ;)
Check other suggestions of place to visit in Porto here: Casa Museu Guerra Junqueiro, Santa Clara church, British Factory House, Casa do Infante and Adega Rio douro.
