Centre for Visual Arts in Coimbra

In the past, the building in the heart of Coimbra which houses today’s centre for the visual arts has provided space for diverse uses. Built in the sixteenth century as “Colégio das Artes”, it has also accommodated a courthouse and a jail. Its west wing will now once again focus on the arts. On the ground floor numerous mobile wall panels facilitate different exhibition arrangements. The upper level is arranged longitudinally: on one side of the central bearing wall, laboratories, archives and dark rooms are contained in a simple wooden enclosure. On the other side there is exhibition space, as well as a library and offices. The ceiling below the roof was removed, resulting in lofty rooms.