When Wallpaper Magazine declared Lisbon as the City of the Year in 2017, it created a domino effect. Lisbon is not only an important source of design, art, culture and gastronomy but also a dynamic city that constantly refreshes and updates itself. There exists a new and hip culture together with rooted cultural values and traditions. Once you think how Madonna said ‘’I will spend one year in Lisbon’’, it becomes more clear that creativity is in the veins of this city.
With its fascinating architecture reflecting a long history, colorful and joyful streets, traditional trams operating up and down through sloppy roads, museums, vast sea coast and young and dynamic energy, Lisbon is an ageless trendsetter. International events and places like MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology), EXD Design Biennial, Arco Lisboa Art Fair drag international audience to the city. Particularly, two Lisbon neighbourhoods draw attention with restaurants, bars, cafes, night clubs and local shops. The first is Bairro Alto. The area owns its fame to sloppy streets and historical trams together with authentic shops, cafes and hotels. The second, Alfama, is famous with narrow streets, a historical outlook and most importantly, wonderful ceramics covering the façade of the buildings.
World’s Favorite Architecture: MAAT
MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) draws great attention with its building. Opened in 2016 and designed by AL_A Architects, a Stirling Price winning architect firm established by English architect Amanda Levete, MAAT’s building was awarded with many prestigious awards. It received LCD Awards known as museum oscars in 2017 (Best Museum Architecture of the Year), Iconic Awards (Architecture Best of Best) and many other international awards. With contemporary art exhibits, education programs and events, MAAT supports creative and critical thinking and becomes one of the most iconic buildings in Lisbon.
MAAT Lisbon is located in Belam region, along the Tagus River edge. The head architect of the building ¬¬- Stirling award winner- Amanda Levete describes her project with these words ‘’the roof stands out like shade welcoming the visitors, and the waves are reflected on the façade which is made of 15,000 three-dimensional crackle-glazed tiles’’
You can find more about MAAT Lisbon here.
The Old and the New Together: Palacio Chiado
This 18th century building is a magnificent structure with high ceilings and wall paintings. It started serving as a restaurant-bar in 2016. During a 1.5-year renovation project, the priority was given to the paintings and windows. Bringing together architect Frederico Valsassiona’s classic and modern perspective, and Catarina Cabral’s timeless decorative style and design which fit well to this fascinating ambiance, Palacio Chiado has become unique in its own. It has restaurants serving 7 cuisines and an exclusive room for special event hire. The bar hosts Djs from time to time. Harmonizing history with modern life, it is an ideal place to escape from daily routines of life in Lisbon.
Casa dell’Arte Lisbon
Büyükkuşoğlu family has chosen Lisbon as Casa dell’Arte’s new home. As devoted supporters of art, the Büyükkuşoğlu family preferred Lisbon especially for its resemblance to Turkey and for climate suitable to tourism. With exhibits from Fatoş and Yunus Büyükkuşoğlu collection, independent artists featured in the Club House, guest artist programs and seasonal exhibitions, Casa dell’Arte aims at introducing Turkish artists to the international public and bringing its mission to Lisbon.
H10 Duque Hotel
H10 Duque Hotel was recently opened in an old building. Architect Lázaro Rosa-Violán created a wonderful atmosphere inside a 18th century building which has a long history.
Bairro Alto Hotel
Thanks to its central location, Bairro Alto Hotel offers the best view of the city. It has ‘’Flores’’ Restaurant which is very popular.
Pasteis de Belem
You should eat one of the icons of Lisbon, Pasteis de Belem, in its historical location which dates back to 1837.
Vista Alegre
Vista Alegre is a famous Portuguese porcelain manufacturer which dates back to 1824. Through collaborations with international designers and artists, the brand brings together modern and extraordinary designs, and continues to keep its place in creative hearts and minds.
Hip spirit of the city: LX Factory
LX Factory is one of the coolest spots in Lisbon. Previously used as textile and rope factory, nowadays it serves for a new dynamic and contemporary life. It is home to many attractive art and culture activities and events, and third generation coffee shops, vintage shops, art and yoga studios, restaurant and bars and concert halls. The LX Factory speaks the language of fashion, art, design and music.
Santa Justa
Santa Justa is a city lift which was built in 1902 by architect Raoul Mesnier du Ponsar. It was declared a National Monument in 2002.
Take notes!
One of the best shopping areas of Lisbon is near the Bairro Alto Otel where you can find a very interesting concept store entitled as ‘’A Vida Portuguesa’’. Here is everything about Portugal: the shop sells a wide range of products and goods from almost every Portuguese brand including ceramic sets, jewellery, food and books. Here you can find everything.
Take notes!
Organized by IFEMA, contemporary art fair ARCOlisboa is held between 17-20 May 2018. Last year the fair was visited by approximately 10.000 art lovers. With the fair, Lisbon’s art scene which involves art museums and galleries becomes more vivid and colourful.
Wall Art in Lisbon
Merve Pakyürek/Casa Dell’Arte Lisbon
Murals can be found in the most unexpected streets of Lisbon. In the times when the weather is getting warm, for those don’t want to go to a museum, streets act almost like an open air museum. Here are some works that you should see when you visit Lisbon:
Vhils
Portugal’s favorite urban artist prefers using posters on the buildings as his canvas. Instead of adding a layer, he scratches the exterior of the buildings. He has over 50 works across the country. After he featured in Forbes Magazine’s ‘’30 onder 30s’’ list, he gained further recognition. Here are some must-see works by him:
Bordalo II
Another recognized Portuguese urban artist is Bordalo II. His work is defined as ‘’waste art’’ as a reference to his engagement with junk yards and trash cans. Some must-see examples of his works are:
Another important artwork:
Os Gêmeos from Brazil and Blu from Italy
