Date: Fri 27-Nov-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: DONNAM

Quick Words:

serralves

Full Text:

New Serralves Museum

OPORTO, PORTUGAL -- In June, 1999, the Serralves Foundation will open its new,

$28 million Museu de Serralves, The Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art.

With a population of more than 1 million in the greater area, Oporto is

Portugal's second largest city, located on the north coast of the country. One

hundred ninety-nine miles north of Lisbon, Oporto is the country's northern

capital, built on granite rock, overlooking the mouth of the Douro River.

Although a Baroque city, traces of Oporto's medieval past may still be seen

amidst the remnants of the medieval stone walls. Due to a period of major

economic growth in the 1920s and 30s, Oporto also features an array of Art

Deco architecture which is in the process of being carefully restored.

As a tribute to its cultural importance in the European Union, Oporto has been

selected as the European Capital of Culture, together with Rotterdam, for

2001.

The Serralves Foundation was created in 1989 as a result of partnership

between the Portuguese government and private institutions and individuals.

The number of foundation members now exceeds 90.

The Casa de Serralves estate was classified as a national landmark in 1996.

Before the construction of the new museum - designed by architect Alvaro Siza

- Casa de Serralves served as the primary exhibition space. After the museum

opening, contemporary art exhibitions will continue to be shown in the Casa de

Serralves, under the auspices of the Museu de Serralves. In addition, a small

chapel, decorated with local Oporto ceramics and also located on the grounds

of the Fundacao de Serralves, will continue to house small exhibitions.

The museum aims to represent the important contributions of contemporary

artists and those that follow, with attention being paid to the relationship

of Portuguese artists and their international peers.