Exhibitions
ARCOlisboa: Lisbon consolidates its position as the epicenter of contemporary European art
In just a decade, ARCOlisboa has gone from being a strategic extension of the Madrid art scene to becoming an essential event on the European art calendar. From May 28 to 31, the Cordoaria Nacional will once again be transformed into a vibrant meeting point for collectors, gallery owners, artists, and industry professionals, hosting the ninth edition of the fair with figures that confirm its consolidation: 86 galleries from 19 countries.
Organized by IFEMA MADRID in collaboration with the Lisbon City Council, ARCOlisboa reinforces its hybrid identity, blending the local and the global. The Portuguese presence, with 30 galleries—35% of the total—engages with a strong international representation, broadening the scope and diversity of the offerings.
The heart of the fair remains its General Program, comprised of 63 galleries selected by the organizing committee. This year, it expands with new additions such as Marcelo Guarnieri, Aninat, and AA Gallery, and welcomes back names returning to the Lisbon art scene, like Juan Silió and CarrerasMugica. These are joined by established galleries that continue to support the fair, building a solid and recognizable foundation.
One of ARCOlisboa's key strengths is its ability to combine continuity with discovery. In this sense, the Opening Lisboa section, curated by Sofia Lanusse and Diogo Pinto in collaboration with Sofia Montanha, remains a space for exploring new artistic languages and dynamics. Its 17 participating galleries offer a fresh perspective on emerging contemporary practices, reinforcing the fair's experimental nature.
A key new feature of this edition is the Archipelago of Art Histories project, directed by Cosmin Costinas. This section proposes a reflection on inherited knowledge and cultural genealogies that permeate contemporary creation, bringing together artists who work from memory and the transmission of knowledge as critical tools.
Beyond its commercial activity, ARCOlisboa unfolds an artistic program that extends across various spaces in the Cordoaria. In the Torreão Nascente, a retrospective exhibition of Jorge Martins engages in dialogue with the ArtsLibris program, dedicated to contemporary art publications, while the Torreão Poente hosts TRÊS. As coleções da Fundação EDP , a commemorative exhibition for the tenth anniversary of the MAAT.
Critical thinking also has its place in Millennium Art Talks, a series of talks that addresses key issues such as collecting, patronage, and curatorial content. This is complemented by discussions on independent publishing and digital publications, solidifying the fair as a space for intellectual exchange as well as commerce.
With a clear commitment to inclusivity, ARCOlisboa is strengthening its connection with the general public. Over the weekend, the fair invites visitors to discover contemporary art in an accessible environment, with initiatives such as free admission for young people up to 25 years old during specific time slots.
This edition is rounded out with a new rest and meeting area designed by Lisbon Design Week, underscoring the fair's commitment to enhancing the visitor experience. Thus, ARCOlisboa not only celebrates ten years of history but also reaffirms its role as a dynamic platform, capable of bringing together tradition and innovation in the contemporary art scene.
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