As May draws to a close, Lisbon is gearing up to host the highly anticipated ARCO Lisboa, the international contemporary art fair that transforms the Portuguese capital into a vibrant meeting point for collectors, gallerists, artists, and art enthusiasts from across the globe. This year, the eighth edition of ARCO Lisboa will take place from May 29th to June 1st, 2025, at the iconic Cordoaria Nacional, promising a rich and diverse showcase of contemporary artistic expression.
Building on the success of its Madrid counterpart, ARCO Lisboa has firmly established itself as a key event in the international art calendar. It provides a unique platform for Portuguese art to connect with the broader international scene, fostering dialogue and exchange within the contemporary art world. The fair attracts a discerning audience eager to discover new talents, acquire significant works, and engage with cutting-edge artistic trends.
ARCO Lisboa 2025 will feature a carefully selected group of galleries, both national and international, presenting a wide array of artistic mediums, from painting and sculpture to photography and digital art. The General Programme, the core of the fair, will highlight galleries whose projects demonstrate a commitment to quality and artistic excellence.
In addition to the main gallery section, ARCO Lisboa also features curated programs designed to foster discovery and research. This year, attendees can look forward to:
- “As formas do Oceano” (The Shapes of the Ocean), curated by Paula Nascimento and Igor Simões, which will explore the artistic connections between Africa and its diaspora worldwide. This section promises to offer insightful perspectives on cultural identity and global interconnectedness
- “Opening”, curated by Sofía Lanusse and Diogo Pinto, will introduce new artistic languages and emerging galleries, providing a platform for fresh and innovative projects.
ARCO Lisboa isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a cultural event that enriches the city. Alongside the gallery presentations, the fair typically hosts discussions, talks, and professional meetings, creating a dynamic environment for learning and networking within the art world.
For HYR Travel, the arrival of ARCO Lisboa in late May presents a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in the contemporary cultural landscape of Lisbon. As we continue our efforts to make culture more accessible through our app, being present at such a significant event allows us to connect with artists, galleries, and art lovers, gaining valuable insights into the evolving art scene and the needs of cultural explorers.
The energy generated by ARCO Lisboa is palpable, injecting a fresh wave of creativity into the city. It’s a time when Lisbon truly shines as a European art hub, attracting visitors keen to experience the forefront of contemporary artistic creation. Whether you are a seasoned collector, an art professional, or simply curious about the world of contemporary art, ARCO Lisboa in late May is an event not to be missed. It’s an opportunity to witness the power of artistic expression and to engage with the vibrant cultural spirit of Lisbon.
