CAV – Centro de Artes Visuais
Contemporary art centre in the former Colégio das Artes, with a programme of photography and moving-image exhibitions, a library and an educational service.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Centro de Artes Visuais (CAV) grew out of the Encontros de Fotografia de Coimbra, a festival that was the main promoter of photography in Portugal in the 1980s and 1990s. It opened on 14 February 2003 in the west wing of the former Colégio das Artes, in the Pátio da Inquisição, next to Rua da Sofia.
The building, with origins in the 16th century, was commissioned from 1535 and housed the Colégio das Artes from 1548. It later housed the Tribunal do Santo Ofício (Holy Office tribunal) until 1821, and afterwards a republican centre and military stables. The conversion for the CAV, by the architect João Mendes Ribeiro, covers about 1,500 m² and includes an exhibition gallery, a video room, an auditorium, a library, collection storage, photography laboratories and a café.
The CAV produces exhibitions of photography and moving image and also presents painting, sculpture and drawing. The ground-floor gallery hosts established artists and mid-career artists; the spaces on the first floor show emerging work.
Highlights
- Regular programme of contemporary art and photography exhibitions
- 16th-century building restored by João Mendes Ribeiro
- Specialised library, open by appointment
- Free guided tours, by booking
- Educational service
- Founded
- 2003
- Operated by
- Centro de Artes Visuais (Encontros de Fotografia)
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- 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
On the ground floor, access is by an adapted ramp and the exhibition room has wide circulation space. The first floor has a staircase with a handrail and a lift, which is requested at reception; for people with reduced mobility, access to the lift is from outside the building. There is parking reserved for wheelchair users, accessible from Rua da Sofia or Cerca de São Bernardo.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
There is no parking at the main entrance; there is accessible parking for wheelchair users, reached via Rua da Sofia or the Rua Particular leading to the Travessa de Montarroio, then along the Azinhaga do Carmo and the Cerca de São Bernardo.
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Café
The building has a café, according to the CAV's presentation.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided visits are free, by booking. The CAV has an educational service. |
