Casa Da Arquitectura

Casa da Arquitectura is located in Quarteirão da Real Vinícola, an area located in the city centre of Matosinhos, a few metres away from the waterfront. The building was once a factory managed by the Real Companhia Vinícola, which was designed and built by Menéres & Companhia between 1897 and 1901. 

In heritage terms, its design was inspired by the traditions of the English architectural style of the time, where it operated as the first steam cooperage of the region. It also contains several shops and the Matosinhos Jazz Orchestra headquarters, which are open to the public.

The Kaleidoscope Space is also located in Quarteirão da Real Vinícola, a multipurpose space that is a laboratory for several experiments, designed specifically for the workshops of Casa da Arquitectura's Educational Service. 

A versatile and sensorially stimulating space, this is where the Educational Service team finds its privileged place to promote experimentation by fostering younger audiences with dynamism and creativity. The venue can also host short-term courses, workshops and birthday parties for children.

Loja da Casa is now a landmark in Matosinhos, much appreciated for its signature pieces on display, many of them exclusive to Casa da Arquitectura. Among its famed designers are Álvaro Siza, Eduardo Souto de Moura and Paulo Mendes da Rocha, etc. 

With approx. 4,000 articles on sale and a variety of products ranging from merchandise to jewellery, furniture and stationery, Loja da Casa is today one of the best bookshops specialising in architecture in Portugal and the most relevant bookshop in the field in northern Portugal.

The Archives of Casa da Arquitectura store, preserve, disseminate documents of interest to the study and history of architecture, and are now a national and international point of reference. Encompassing an area of 1,500 sq.mt., the Archives consist of five warehouses where all the materials that make up the collections, estates, projects and documentary units of renowned architects, whether nationally or internationally, such as Eduardo Souto de Moura, Paulo Mendes da Rocha, João Luís Carrilho da Graça and Pedro Ramalho are stored.

Galeria da Casa is a 150 sq.mt space for hosting or installing smaller-scale exhibitions. Accessible from the interior of the Quarteirão, Galeria da Casa offers the possibility of a complementary programme to that of the Exhibition Hall or entirely autonomous proposals. With an outdoor patio, it is one of the most picturesque and pleasant corners of the Quarteirão. 

Located in one of the wings of Quarteirão da Real Vinícola, the Cooperage is the largest indoor space of Casa da Arquitectura. With a 535 sq.mt area possessing great functionality and versatility, it also contains an 85 sq.mt adjoining room. 

The perfect venue for institutional dinners, conferences or entertainment, the Cooperage has hosted sold-out concerts as well as conferences with leading names in national and international architecture.

The Library of Casa da Arquitectura is located in the entrance tower of the Quarteirão, where the administration of Real Vinícola used to be. It houses a growing library dedicated to contemporary architecture. Its eye-catching lighting design bears the signature of Álvaro Siza, and is one of the most beautiful spaces to visit in Casa da Arquitectura.

The Central Pavilion, a.k.a. the Wine Cellar, is located in the centre of Quarteirão da Real Vinícola with a 250 sq.mt area. It is an ample space that is usually much sought after for presentations and activities of all kinds, right next to the Cooperage.