The Lisbon Art Fair (Arte Lisboa) is the only contemporary art fair to be held in Portugal. Although not an art gallery per se, it is the most important temporary gallery event in the entire country, although only over a short span of time during the year. If you are visiting Lisbon during the time that the fair is open, and you have even a passing interest in art, then this is a must visit attraction.
Annually, the Lisbon Art Fair sees in excess of 20,000 art lover's visit during the short time it is in operation each year. Many leading Portuguese and international art galleries bring works to exhibit during the fair. Make no mistake; Lisbon Art Fair is the best way to see both local and international art in Portugal.
Lisbon Art Fair is likely to continue to grow in popularity with both tourists visiting Portugal and local art lovers alike. The success of the fair clearly indicates that there is an interest, which is growing, in modern contemporary art throughout Portugal.
The inclusion of a higher percentage of local Portuguese galleries within the fair helps to give it an overall Portuguese flavour. However, international galleries from Asia, Europa and the United States also make up a significant portion of exhibitors, meaning there is always something for every art lover, regardless of their particular tastes in contemporary modern art.
In recent years, the Lisbon Art Fair has become something more than an amalgamation of galleries showing their art. It has become a focal meeting point for a growing European contemporary art movement. A full range of art professionals, not just artists but also curators, museum administrators and gallery owners come together to debate and discuss the Portuguese contemporary art scene. The public is welcome to visit, and even join in with these discussions.
For the last several years the Lisbon Art Fair has been housed in the Pavilhão do Rio, which was designed by the prominent Portuguese architect Francisco Keil. This enigmatic venue helps to lend the fair a generous amount of prestige.
Highlights of the Lisbon Art Fair
The main highlight, and what makes the Lisbon Art Fair so popular, is the inclusion of well-known local artists including Helena Almeida, Pedro Cabrita Reis and Julião Sarmento, alongside emerging artists from around the globe.
A further highlight stems from the fact that so many distinctly different facets of modern art are represented. These include everything from photography to plastic sculpture, a truly diverse mixture of talents and media is represented.
The Lisbon Art Fair for Families
The fair is entirely suitable for children of all ages. Even though younger children may have a limited appreciation for art, they will find the atmosphere of the fair entirely entertaining.
Lisbon Art Fair Opening Times
The fair is open throughout the evening, although there are no hard and fast opening times, as individual galleries and exhibitors tend to become ready for the public at different times. In a similar fashion, the fair tends to stay open until quite late, depending upon visitor traffic. Official opening times are from 4pm until 11pm.
Getting to the Lisbon Art Fair
Lisbon Art Fair is located at:
Pavilhão do Rio
Parque das Naçoes
