Carpintarias de São Lázaro

Carpintarias de São Lázaro is a cultural centre in Lisbon, set inside a former carpentry workshop on a winding street that climbs from Martim Moniz towards Desterro. It opened in 2017 and works as an art gallery and events venue where visual arts, music, theatre, dance, cinema and food come together.

What is Carpintarias de São Lázaro?

It is a multidisciplinary institution devoted to contemporary art. Its stated mission is to promote culture and the contemporary arts in the heart of the Portuguese capital. Under one roof you can see an exhibition, catch a concert, watch a performance or a film, and then eat in the food area. The site lies at roughly 38.718 N, 9.136 W, right in the city centre.

What is the history of the building?

A carpentry shop worked here from 1928, on a twisting street rising from Martim Moniz to Desterro. A fire destroyed the workshop, and about fifteen years later the building was reborn as a place for artistic creation. Its role shifted from industrial to cultural, from work to leisure, and from private to public.

It is a good example of adapting old industrial architecture to the needs of a modern city. A piece of this district's working past survives, and the neighbourhood gained a new meeting place.

What does the building look like?

The centre covers around 1,800 square metres over four floors. The Art Deco building has been carefully restored. Its large windows look out over the hills of Graça and the Castle (Castelo), so the interior doubles as a viewpoint over Lisbon.

What can you do here?

• Visit contemporary and visual art exhibitions.
• Check the programme for concerts, theatre, dance and film screenings.
• Eat or drink in the food and drink area.
• Enjoy the view of the hills through the big windows on the upper floors.

Programming changes over time, so before you go check the current calendar and whether a ticket is needed, either on the official channels or on ticketing sites.

Getting there and what else is nearby

The centre is close to Martim Moniz, one of Lisbon's key transport hubs, so it is easy to reach by metro or tram, or on foot from Baixa. The street slopes uphill towards Desterro, so wear comfortable shoes. Around you will find the multicultural atmosphere of Mouraria, and a little further on the Graça and Castelo hills, which look over the city centre.

Frequently asked questions

When did Carpintarias de São Lázaro open? The cultural centre opened in 2017.

What was the building before? A carpentry workshop has stood here since 1928. After a fire, the site was rebuilt as an arts venue.

Which arts does the centre present? Visual arts, music, theatre, dance and cinema, plus gastronomy.

How big is the building? About 1,800 m² across four floors.

Is it worth visiting without a specific event in mind? Yes, if you like Art Deco architecture, contemporary art and views over Lisbon's hills. Check the programme first so your visit lines up with an exhibition or event.