Portuguese Centre of Photography
About This Museum
Tucked away in Porto's historic center, this isn't your typical gallery—it's housed in a formidable old prison that gives the whole experience a uniquely powerful atmosphere. You'll find yourself wandering through massive, vaulted cell blocks where the walls now hold gripping stories told through Portuguese photography. The exhibitions rotate constantly, so you might see stark documentary work from the 20th century one month and a provocative contemporary series the next. It’s a fascinating collision of place and image that really sticks with you.
Collection Highlights
The permanent collection includes everything from early 20th-century glass plate negatives to the poignant 'Photographic Treasury' of old cameras displayed in the former prison chapel. Don't miss the temporary shows; I caught a stunning black-and-white documentary series on Portuguese fishing villages that was absolutely breathtaking.
Visitor Information
Best part? Entry is completely free, which makes it an easy addition to any Porto itinerary. It's open from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, and is just a short, scenic walk from the Clérigos Tower.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is the star—a hulking, stone-walled former prison called the Cadeia da Relação, with all the dramatic gravitas you'd expect from an 18th-century judicial lock-up.
Contact & Location
Address: Largo Amor de Perdição, Reboleira, Cordoaria, Zona Histórica do Porto, Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória, Porto, 4050-008, Portugal
Phone: +351 22 004 6300
Website: Visit Website