Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon

Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB) is a cultural complex in Lisbon's Belém district, beside the Tagus. It is the largest building with cultural facilities in Portugal, offering more than 140,000 square metres of usable space. If contemporary architecture and the capital's cultural life interest you, it deserves a place on your Belém itinerary.

Why was it built?

The building went up to host the programme of Portugal's Presidency of the European Council in 1992. It was never meant to be temporary, though. The plan was for it to become a permanent home for conferences, exhibitions and performing arts once the presidency ended. Meeting halls, shops and cafés were included as well.

Who designed the CCB?

Two architects shared the design: the Italian Vittorio Gregotti and the Portuguese Manuel Salgado. Construction was finished in 1992, and the centre opened to the public in 1993. The result is a vast, modern ensemble with stern geometric forms, clearly set apart from the historic buildings on nearby Belém streets.

What is inside?

The complex includes a conference centre and two concert halls, seating roughly 400 and 1,500 people. Concerts, stage productions and other cultural events take place here. There is also a space for temporary exhibitions, and since 2006 it has housed the Berardo Museum, devoted to modern and contemporary art.

Planning your visit

• Location: Belém, in western Lisbon, close to the district's other major sights.
• Programme: check the official CCB website for current shows and exhibitions, as the offer changes over time.
• Who it suits: architecture fans, music lovers, contemporary art visitors, and anyone wanting a different side of Belém from the monastery and the age-of-discovery monuments.
• How long: a few dozen minutes are enough to see the building and have a coffee; allow more for an exhibition or a concert.

Frequently asked questions

Is the CCB a museum? Not exactly. It is a multi-purpose cultural complex that includes an art museum, concert halls and conference spaces.

When did the Centro Cultural de Belém open? Construction was completed in 1992, and it opened to the public in 1993.

Who designed the building? Vittorio Gregotti and Manuel Salgado.

Why was the CCB built? To host Portugal's 1992 Presidency of the European Council, and then serve as a permanent venue for conferences, exhibitions and performing arts.

Are there cafés and shops at the CCB? Yes, the complex was conceived to include shops and cafés alongside its meeting halls.