Cultural Center of Belém

The Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB) is one of the most emblematic cultural institutions in Lisbon, located in the historic district of the same name. Inaugurated in 1992, the CCB was designed by architects Vittorio Gregotti and Manuel Salgado with the intention of creating a multifunctional complex that could host cultural events, conferences, and exhibitions, and also serve as the venue for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which Portugal would host in the same year. The CCB covers an area of 140,000 square meters and includes several main structures: the Conference Center, the Performing Arts Center, and the Exhibition Center. The building stands out for its modern architecture, which harmoniously integrates with the surrounding environment, characterized by important historical monuments such as the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries. This integration was achieved through the use of local materials, such as “Lioz” limestone, which gives the building a color-changing appearance depending on the daylight. The Conference Center features numerous meeting rooms and a large auditorium with 1,429 seats, used for international conferences, professional meetings, and cultural events. This space was designed to meet a variety of needs, from academic congresses to business meetings, while also offering support services such as shops, restaurants, bars, and parking. One of the most interesting aspects is the Jacques Delors European Information Center, which provides resources and information on the European Union. The Performing Arts Center is the beating heart of the CCB’s cultural activities. It houses two auditoriums, one large with 1,429 seats and one smaller with 348 seats, as well as a rehearsal room with 72 seats. These spaces are used for a wide range of artistic events, including plays, concerts, dance performances, and film screenings. The Main Auditorium Tower is particularly noteworthy for its sophisticated system of motorized poles, which allows for the setup of complex stage designs for any type of performance. The Exhibition Center includes four galleries dedicated to modern and contemporary art, design, architecture, and photography. From 2007 to 2022, this space hosted the Museu Coleção Berardo collection, one of Portugal’s most important collections of modern and contemporary art. The galleries are flexible and can be adapted to host a variety of exhibitions, offering an immersive and stimulating experience to visitors. Another significant element of the CCB is the olive tree garden, located on the south side overlooking the Tagus River. This green space offers an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the complex, with picnic areas and the Este/Oeste restaurant terrace. During the summer, the garden hosts a series of free cultural events, including concerts and outdoor film screenings, making it a lively and welcoming place for the local community and tourists. The CCB has hosted numerous internationally renowned events, including the summit of heads of state of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and various meetings of the European Union. Its strategic location and innovative design make it an example of how contemporary architecture can interact with historical heritage, creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically significant.