If you happen to be left with some free time while visiting Porto or the day happens to be rainy, we really recommend visiting the exhibition of the famous graffiti, street, and contemporary artist Bansky.
More than 70 artworks
The exhibition “Banksy: Genius or Vandal?” opened on the 23rd. of April and will be held until the 4th. of September.
It features more than 70 original works by the British artist whose identity remains unknown. You can see original pieces belonging to private collections.
I specially liked how the exhibition is organised. The pieces are divided and grouped by topics and come with a large introduction that sets the context to people who may be in the dark about Banksy’s work.
As I watched the documentaries “Exit Through The Gift Shop” by Banksy and “Banksy Most Wanted” by Aurélia Rouvier & Seamus Haley a while ago, the exhibition was the cherry on top of the cake. From the movies and the exhibition you feel that Banksy is not just an artist, but also an activist that makes bold, very accurate, and very often hilarious statements through his works.
Alfândega do Porto
The exhibition is held in Alfândega do Porto – which means and used to be the Customshouse of Porto. Built between 1860 and 1870, the huge building now serves as a convention centre.
The building is located in the historic centre of the city, along the bank of the Douro River (if you’re in the historic centre, the place is just a walking distance). It was renovated under the direction of the Pritzker-awarded architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. (If you’re interested about famous Pritzker-awarded Portuguese architects check our blog post.)
The entrance to the exhibition costs 15€ (children up to 15 years of age pay 7,50€). It can be visited from Tuesdays to Sundays from 11.00 till 19.00, but on Saturdays runs until 20.00.
Like most of all previous exhibitions dedicated to Banksy, this one is also unauthorized.
Alfândega do Porto