Best Art Galleries in Lisbon

In 1905, Alfred Stieglitz and Edwards Steichen decided to open a really really small gallery in New York that only displayed photographs. Despite its size, they got photography on the map, levelling it to the same status as painting and sculpture. Inspired by this story, A Pequena Galeria was created. The place is tiny and it only displays photographs (of both famous and unknown photographers). You can just appreciate the works exposed and feed your soul and if you fall in love with a photograph you can buy it.

The name is an acronym for World Citizenship and stands for a place where everyone can promote meetings and creativity. There are workshops for adults and children, aside from collective exhibitions of different artistic movements. You will be able to enjoy a glass of wine while you draw pictures with strangers. You will also find a tattoo parlour because art is meant for the body too.

Located in an amazing art-deco building from the 1940’s, this gallery opened in 2012 and displays drawings, sculptures, art installations or videos. This gallery has already established itself in the city as the home for new and international artists like Alexandre Conefrey, Juliane Solmsdorf, Marcelo Costa, Mário Macilau, Mel O’Callaghan, Pedro Calapez or Pedro Souza Vieira.

Urban art has changed, linking it just to graffiti cans is yesterday’s news. This warehouse is promoting culture’s newest ways of communication. The platform created in 2010 works closely urban artists to bring them closer to the public. Maria Imaginário’s colourful monsters and Vhils’ face fragments have already been displayed in this gallery. They also promote meetings, conversations and even guided tours around Lisbon for you to see the wonders of outdoor art.

This gallery was founded in the 60’s by Manuel de Brito who became on of the biggest art collectors and one of the most famous Portuguese gallery owners. Galeria 111 has a legacy to the city as the meeting place for the best contemporary artists. Paula Rego, António da Costa, Vieira da Silva, Júlio Pomar or Eduardo Batarda were some of the artists that used to meet here. Nowadays this gallery continues to promote well renowned artists as well as new voices of the industry.

This gallery blends in the neighbourhood’s characteristic and traditional landscape but it stands out because of its white interior with art splashed all over its walls: photographs, drawings or even installations. Create in the ‘80’s in Oporto, Quadrado Azul opened in Lisbon in 2006 to house the works of some talented artists like Paulo Nozolino, Hugo Cainolas or Ângelo de Sousa.

Here's a top 5 pieces you must see – they're all permanent – whether you are visiting or living in Lisbon.