Your entry ticket grants you access to the Serralves Foundation in Porto, a remarkable location that includes the Museum of Contemporary Art, an art deco residence, and stunning gardens—all to explore at your leisure.
Introducing the Serralves Foundation
Situated just a 15-minute drive from Porto’s city center, the Serralves Foundation is a distinctive venue that captivates enthusiasts of art, landscape design, and architecture.
With your access to the Foundation, you can explore various attractions within its grounds at your own rhythm:
Museum of Contemporary Art
This striking establishment, crafted by acclaimed Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza, opened its doors in 1999 and is considered a masterpiece itself.
Inside, you’ll encounter an array of contemporary art pieces, including Possessão I-VII by Paula Rego and Study for Untitled Wall Piece by Dennis Oppenheim, along with other significant works.
The museum also features an auditorium, an audiovisual room, and a library housing the most comprehensive collection of contemporary art literature in northern Portugal.
The Álvaro Siza Wing
This section, an annex to the Museum of Contemporary Art, is named in honor of its designer. It is dedicated to the temporary exhibitions and displays additional works that cannot be accommodated in the permanent collection.
Serralves Villa
Among the foundation's grounds, you can explore the Art Deco residence, which stands as an architectural treasure. Once the home of Count Carlos Alberto Cabral, this villa showcases an exceptional design and decor reminiscent of the 1930s.
Serralves Park & Gardens
The aforementioned buildings surround the Serralves park and gardens, which represent the heart of the foundation's area and stand out as one of Portugal's pioneering artistic gardens.
The park spans an impressive 18 hectares (44.4 acres) and was designed in the 1930s by architect Jacques Gréber. Here, along with various tree, plant, and shrub species, several sculptures are part of the Serralves Foundation’s collection, including the notable Sky Mirror by Anish Kapoor and a gigantic red shovel by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.
Treetop Walk
Established in 2019 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Serralves, this feature includes a remarkable 245-meter (803-ft) wooden walkway that meanders among the park’s treetops.
The Farm
The complex also comprises a farm where a variety of animals, including cows, horses, pigs, chickens, and donkeys, roam freely.
Opening Times of the Serralves Foundation
The Serralves Foundation operates during the following hours:
- October to March: Weekdays from 10 am to 6 pm; Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10 am to 7 pm.
- April to September: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 7 pm; Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10 am to 8 pm.
