Centro Português de Fotografia
Public photography centre in the former prison and Court of Appeal building, with exhibitions, the camera collection of António Pedro Vicente and free admission.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Centro Português de Fotografia was created in 1997 by the Ministry of Culture, following a working group from 1996, with its headquarters in the former Prison and Court of Appeal of Porto. The ground-floor exhibition rooms were used from December 1997; the building was occupied in full only in 2001, after being restored and adapted by the architects Eduardo Souto Moura and Humberto Vieira. Since 2007 it has been part of the Direção-Geral do Livro, dos Arquivos e das Bibliotecas (Directorate-General for Books, Archives and Libraries).
The building began to be constructed in 1767, to a design by the architect Eugénio dos Santos e Carvalho, and housed the Court of Appeal and its prison. Among others, Camilo Castelo Branco, Ana Plácido and José do Telhado were held there as prisoners.
The centre holds the National Photography Collection and a collection of cameras and photographic equipment. For visitors it shows temporary exhibitions, the Núcleo Museológico António Pedro Vicente (António Pedro Vicente Museum Unit), with about 600 pieces of equipment, and the Sala da Memória (Memory Room), which recalls the former prison.
Highlights
- António Pedro Vicente Museum Unit, with about 600 cameras and photographic devices
- Memory Room, in the former women's room of the prison
- Cell where Camilo Castelo Branco was imprisoned
- Temporary photography exhibitions
- Free admission
- Building rehabilitated by Souto Moura
Permanent exhibitions
- Núcleo Museológico António Pedro Vicente – The history of photography told through about 600 cameras and devices, from English, French and German makers to brands such as Kodak, Leica and Hasselblad.
- Sala da Memória – Former women's room of the prison, with panels on the site, its famous prisoners and the relationship between photography and the justice system.
- Founded
- 1997
- Operated by
- Direção-Geral do Livro, dos Arquivos e das Bibliotecas (DGLAB)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The centre provides an “Accessible Route” document, which identifies the spaces of the former prison building accessible to people with reduced mobility. Only assistance dogs are allowed.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Cordoaria
Metro: Trindade stations (all lines), Bolhão (all lines except yellow) and Aliados or São Bento (yellow line). Buses: Cordoaria stop (200, 201, 207, 208, 301, 303, 305, 501, 507, 601, 602, 703, 801, ZM) and Carmo stop (18, 22, 200, 201, 207, 208, 300, 302, 304, 501).
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Centre shop and cloakroom service.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Group visits, free or guided, require prior booking; unscheduled free visits may have to wait outside. Guided visits are requested by a form sent to mail.cpf@cpf.dglab.gov.pt. |
