Cascais Cultural Centre

Cascais Cultural Centre (Centro Cultural de Cascais) is an arts venue housed in a former Carmelite monastery, a short walk from the Citadel of Cascais in the Lisbon district of Portugal. It opened in May 2000 and is dedicated mainly to the visual arts, with several exhibition spaces, a recital hall and a café-restaurant.

What is the Cascais Cultural Centre?

The centre is a multidisciplinary cultural space run by the Dom Luís I Foundation. Its programme centres on exhibitions, but the building also serves as a venue for conferences, seminars, small concerts and performances. Parts of the structure date back to the end of the 16th century, so a visit combines contemporary art with a piece of local architectural history.

What was the building originally?

The site began life as the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Piedade. Construction started in 1594 under the patronage of Dom António de Castro, Lord of Cascais and Count of Monsanto. Discalced Carmelite friars moved in from 1596, when the convent was still unfinished, and used it first to train novices. Because of restrictions on building work, the complex was only completed in 1641. It later also housed what is described as Portugal's first college of philosophy.

What happened to the convent after 1834?

When the religious orders were dissolved in 1834, the friars left and the convent fell into abandonment and ruin. It then passed through several private owners. In the late 19th century it was acquired by the Viscount of Gandarinha, and in the mid-20th century by the Espírito Santo family. In 1977 the Cascais Municipal Council received the property through a deed of donation.

How did it become a cultural centre?

Restoration of the old convent began in March 1994. The renovated complex opened its doors on 15 May 2000 as the Cascais Cultural Centre, giving the historic walls a new civic purpose.

What can you see and do there?

• Exhibitions: several gallery spaces host changing shows, with an emphasis on visual arts.
• Auditorium: a hall with about 144 seats is used for lectures, seminars, small music concerts and stage performances.
• Café and terrace: the cafeteria opens onto a terrace in an interior courtyard, a quiet place to pause during a walk around town.

Check the current programme before you go, because exhibitions and events change regularly.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The centre stands close to the Citadel of Cascais, in the town centre area of the municipality of Cascais, west of Lisbon. It is easy to combine with a stroll through the old town, the seafront and other nearby museums. Coordinates are roughly 38.694 N, 9.421 W.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Cascais Cultural Centre open? It opened on 15 May 2000, after restoration work that began in March 1994.

Who manages it? The centre is managed by the Dom Luís I Foundation.

Was it always a cultural venue? No. It was built from 1594 as a Carmelite convent, and remained in religious use until 1834.

Is there somewhere to eat or drink? Yes, there is a restaurant and a cafeteria with a terrace in an interior courtyard.

Can I attend concerts there? The auditorium hosts small concerts and performances, so it is worth checking the current schedule.