The Serralves Foundation’s mission is to raise the awareness and knowledge amongst audiences from different backgrounds and age groups, in relation to contemporary art, architecture and the landscape and key issues facing society at present and in the future. The Foundation has an integrated approach based on its exceptional heritage assets, including, in particular, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Park.
Multidisciplinary and true to its mission, the Serralves Foundation is considered to be one of Portugal’s most successful and consolidated cultural projects, with unique international projection and recognition.
Located in the city of Porto, the Foundation has a rich historical and cultural heritage, including the Museum, designed by the architect Álvaro Siza, winner of the 1992 Pritzker Prize, the Serralves Villa, a unique example of art deco architecture, and the Serralves Park, designed by the French architect Jacques Greber, which was awarded the “Henry Ford Prize for the Preservation of the Environment” in 1997.
In 2012, Serralves’ Park and buildings were jointly classified as a “National Monument”. This is the most important heritage classification level, and was granted in recognition of Serralves’ cultural, architectural and landscape value and the investment in the enhancement, animation and dissemination of the Foundation’s heritage assets.
The creation of the Serralves Foundation in 1989, as a private institution of public utility, marked the beginning of an innovative partnership between the State and civil society. After 25 years this is the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Serralves, including its Founders, Patrons and visitors, and all those who have collaborated with Serralves – thereby demonstrating the community’s increasing and continuous adhesion to this project.
Serralves aims to be recognized nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence in the field of contemporary art and, in general, in terms of reflection about key contemporary social issues, thus promoting the diversity of the cultural offer, through an innovative intervention that will steadily attract diverse audiences and induce greater community support.
