Casa da Arquitectura

Casa da Arquitectura in Matosinhos is Portugal's architecture centre, set inside the former industrial buildings of the Real Vinícola block. With exhibitions, a library and archives from renowned architects, it is one of the most interesting stops in northern Portugal for anyone curious about building and urban design.

What is Casa da Arquitectura?

Its full name is Casa da Arquitectura – Centro Português de Arquitectura. The institution treats architecture as a cultural field: it presents it to the public, collects documents and makes them available to researchers. It stands in Matosinhos, a port town next to Porto, close to the Leixões harbour.

What is the history of the buildings?

The complex was built between 1897 and 1901 as production facilities of the firm Menéres & Companhia for the Real Companhia Vinícola. The business produced and exported wine and olive oil. When it left the Douro riverside and moved to Matosinhos, it built a new complex here, next to the recently created port of Leixões.

The architecture follows English inspiration and tradition. The region's first steam cooperage operated on site. A branch of the railway line linked the works to the port docks, from where the goods were shipped for export.

What happened afterwards?

After the 1930s the site was abandoned. Following the revolution of 25 April 1974 it housed families returning from the former colonies. In 2000 the Municipality of Matosinhos acquired the buildings, and the complex was classified as a monument of public interest.

What does the restored block look like?

The restoration was carried out by the Matosinhos municipality, with a design by architect Guilherme Machado Vaz. The Real Vinícola block covers about 4,700 m². The old halls were adapted to new uses while keeping the industrial character of the place.

What can you see here?

The centre has two exhibition rooms, a library and a shop. Another key part is the archive of collections donated by internationally renowned architects, including Álvaro Siza, Eduardo Souto de Moura and Paulo Mendes da Rocha. For followers of Portuguese architecture, it is a particularly valuable resource.

Who is it for?

• Architecture and urban design enthusiasts who want to explore Portuguese design.
• Visitors interested in the industrial and port history of Matosinhos.
• Travellers who want to combine a visit with a walk around Porto's seaside district.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Casa da Arquitectura? In Matosinhos, in the former Real Vinícola block, near the port of Leixões.

When were the buildings constructed? The works were built between 1897 and 1901.

Who designed the conversion? Architect Guilherme Machado Vaz, commissioned by the Matosinhos municipality.

What is inside? Two exhibition rooms, a library, a shop and an archive of collections from notable architects.

Is the building linked to wine? Yes. It originally housed the Real Companhia Vinícola, which produced and exported wine and olive oil.

Before you go, check current opening hours and the exhibition programme on the institution's official website. A visit pairs well with a look at the harbour and a stroll through Matosinhos, giving a picture of both the historic and the contemporary architecture of the region.