Centro Português de Fotografia

Centro Português de Fotografia (the Portuguese Centre of Photography) is a photography museum and archive in the historic centre of Porto, housed in an 18th-century former prison and courthouse. It is a place where the architecture tells as much of a story as the pictures on the walls.

What is this place?

The centre is an archival and museum institution devoted to photography. It was established in 1997 by Portugal's Ministry of Culture. Its holdings include around sixty photographic collections, and it stages exhibitions of work by Portuguese and international photographers.

Why is the building so special?

The building dates from 1767 and served for roughly two centuries, until 1974, as a prison (the Cadeia da Relação) and court of appeal. 1974 is the year the country's long dictatorship ended, which gives the site extra symbolic weight for many visitors.

The layout reflected the social order of the day. The poorest and most dangerous prisoners were held in dungeons in the basement, women were kept on the second floor, and people of rank were housed on the upper levels. The building also had rooms for the prison governor and a small chapel where the condemned received last rites before execution.

How did a prison become a museum?

Conversion work began around 2000, led by the acclaimed Portuguese architects Eduardo Souto Moura and Humberto Vieira. Former cells, workshops and courtyards were turned into exhibition galleries, and the whole building was fully restored. The austere character of the walls remains, in contrast with the images now shown inside.

What can you see?

• The National Collection of Photography, a permanent display of Portuguese photography.
• A collection of historic cameras on the top floor, including spy cameras and classic Kodaks.
• Temporary exhibitions of work by photographers from Portugal and abroad.

Opening hours

According to OpenStreetMap data: Tuesday to Friday 10:00-18:00, Saturday and Sunday 15:00-19:00. On public holidays the hours are 15:00-19:00. It is closed on 1 January, Easter, 1 May and 25 December. Check the current schedule before you go, as hours can change.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Centro Português de Fotografia? In the historic centre of Porto, at roughly 41.1447 N, 8.6159 W.

Was the building really a prison? Yes. It served as a prison and courthouse until 1974.

Who designed the conversion? Eduardo Souto Moura and Humberto Vieira.

Is it open on Mondays? Based on the available data, no Monday opening hours are listed.

Is it worth visiting if I am not into photography? Yes. The history of the building, the former cells and the converted courtyards are interesting in their own right, whatever is on show.