As yet another cycle of simultaneous inaugurations is coming near, June might just be the perfect month for you to explore each and every Porto art gallery located in the Miguel Bombarda Block! Our amazing art district is filled with small independent galleries willing to show you the best works from aspiring local artists trying to make a name for themselves while doing what they love. Ladies and Gentleman, this is art in its purest, rawest form.
HERE ARE 5 PORTO ART GALLERIES YOU’LL HAVE TO CHECK OUT THIS JUNE
GALERIA QUADRADO AZUL
Turns out here in Porto we are quite eclectic, so after a painting exhibition and movie display, make your way to Galeria Quadrado Azul and check out some amazing sculptures! In June, this 20-year old Porto art gallery will be welcoming an exhibition from renowned Portuguese sculptor Zulmiro de Carvalho. In fact, they’re going straight to the point and present just 3 pieces, which are regarded by experts as being among the author’s very best works in his long standing career that has spanned 4 decades. Galeria Quadrado Azul is open from Monday to Saturday between 1am and 8pm.
GALERIA SÃO MAMEDE
Photo courtesy of: Galeria São Mamede
Inaugurated in Lisbon in the late 1960’s, Galeria São Mamede is one of the most respected institutions when it comes to independent modern art. Although it took them over 30 years to move up north, they finally opened their doors to the portuense public in 2005 and are now more popular than ever. Until the 7th of June, this gallery will be hosting the exhibition “Narrativas Sobrepostas” by Benedita Kendall, where the artist tries to tell stories and conduct experiences through the overlapping of several different pictures and paintings. Galeria São Mamede is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 2am and 8pm.
GALERIA PRESENÇA
Week after week, we can all see the horrors of what’s happening in Syria and how the current refugee crisis and its consequent migration flows have been splitting opinions among even the most liberal and advanced societies. Throughout the entire month of May and until the 2nd of June, Galeria Presença brings us “In Limbo”, a film production by Danish artist Nikolaj Bendix Larsen that will have you pondering such issues. Galeria Presença is open between Tuesday and Saturday from 10am to 12h30pm, and then from 3pm to 7pm.
GALERIA METAMORFOSE
Rather than your average art gallery, Galeria Metamorfose stands as an arts school, a workshop atelier, a classroom for aspiring art students – a real jack of all trades when it comes to inspiring one’s creative skills! It represents every newcomer’s dream and the city’s amateur artists’ deep connection to the arts. For that alone, it’s worth checking out. Galeria Metamorfose is open from Wednesday to Saturday between 3pm and 6pm.
GALERIA PAULA QUINTÃ
Photo courtesy of: Galeria Paula Quintã
Though branded as an art gallery, the final entry on our list is a distinct place whose core business is to maintain, restore and recover old items. Whether we’re talking about furniture, paintings or ancient relics, the care and attention to detail put in every renovation work by the staff at Galeria Paula Quintã is a real art form in itself. Don’t forget that old dusty watch that has been in your family for generations – you never know how much it might be worth once Paula puts her hands on it! Galeria Paula Quintã is open from Monday to Saturday between noon and 8pm.
Ready for a walk along the Miguel Bombarda Art District? Which Porto art gallery left you more intrigued? Let us know on the comments section!
