The Best Independent Art Galleries in Portugal

Porto has been developing a reputation as an excellent destination for creatives. On your next visit, why not swing by Ó!Galeria, an illustration lover’s playground located a few blocks north of Clérigos. Some of the designs and books on display, produced by Portuguese and international artists, are for sale, but perhaps you just want to peruse them, and that’s ok, too. Try to see how many artist names you recognize, like AKA Corleone and Kruella d’Enfer. While in Lisbon, don’t forget to swing by their second location in the Mouraria neighborhood.

Nestled amid the many galleries on Miguel Bombarda Street, and just a five-minute walk from Ó!Galeria, is Galeria Presença, an art gallery that has been sharing national and international modern art with Porto’s art lovers since first opening in 1995. As one of the older galleries in Porto, it’s certainly a must-see.

Sharing the best of local and international art in Lisbon for more than 50 years is Galeria 111, situated just outside the city center in Campo Grande. First opened in 1964, much of the permanent exhibit was collected by renowned Portuguese gallerist Manuel de Brito. One of the more recent exhibitions showcased work by Portuguese artist João Leonardo, titled Apontamentos sobre a consciência de Zeno (in English, Notes about Zeno’s Conscience).

One stop on art tours through the Portuguese capital is the Galeria Graça Brandão, located in Lisbon’s eclectic Bairro Alto. Founded in 2006, the Galeria Graça Brandão shines a light on contemporary art created by some of the newest and best creatives in the Portuguese-speaking world.

The Lady in Red – Gallery of Art is a multidimensional space in more ways than one. Part wine cellar, part arts venue, it is a social and creative place where friends can meet to chat while enjoying different styles of contemporary design and Portuguese wine, and there is no denying that it’s one of the more unique galleries in the Algarve.

This charming gallery is set in Paderne, just off Albufeira‘s beaten path in a space that feels more like a private cottage. Surrounded by a beautiful garden, the property looks like a painting similar to what guests will find adorning the walls inside. In addition to the canvas paintings on the gallery walls, sculptures fill the room and add extra color to this beautiful artistic haven. After perusing the art, sit outside in the courtyard to enjoy the wildflowers and a cup of tea or coffee.

This last spot isn’t along a road trip route with the others, but it’s one worth stopping at if you decide to hop on a plane to São Miguel, Azores. Galeria Fonseca Macedo has been showcasing contemporary art by regular and invited Portuguese artists, as well as a few international names. Open in Ponta Delgada since 2000, it organizes a few different exhibits each year (working on a smaller scale) and sends occasional representatives to art fairs like the annual Arco Lisboa.