Oporto's architectural marvel
This twelve-storey, irregular-shaped building was designed by world-renowned architect Rem Koolhaas exclusively for musical performances.
It opened in 2005 and for admirers of architectural marvels it justifies a visit to Oporto on its own.
The striking white concrete structure is an inventive building. Inside the 1,300-seat auditorium of perfect acoustics is a baroque
organ pinned to the wall, and the VIP room
has hand-painted blue tiles, blending contemporary minimalism with traditional touches.
You can see it all in a highly recommended guided tour.
Top international orchestras have already played here, and there is also a resident company.
On the top floor is "Kool" (named after the architect?), one of the best restaurants in the city. It serves a mostly Italian menu.
From outside some have described the building as looking like a meteorite landed in the middle of the city. It's located on the
city's main avenue (Avenida da Boavista that stretches for 7km toward the sea), on a roundabout that is overlooked by a column bearing
a lion and a flattened French eagle -- a monument that celebrates the victory of the Portuguese and British in the Peninsular War.
Location: Avenida da Boavista, 604-610
Getting there: Metro - Casa da Musica station
Contact: 22 012 0220
Find out more: www.casadamusica.com
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Serralves Museum
