Portuguese Centre of Photography Porto
Explore photography's past and present in a former 18th-century prison, featuring a vast camera collection and diverse exhibitions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Portuguese Centre of Photography Porto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore photography's past and present in a former 18th-century prison, featuring a vast camera collection and diverse exhibitions.
"It's inside an old 18th-century courthouse and former prison—with thick stone walls, iron-barred windows, and a beautiful domed ceiling. Super quiet and atmospheric."
Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Enjoy the museum and its exhibitions completely free of charge. A rare gem!
Check Exhibition Status :clipboard:
Parts of the museum may be closed for renovations or events. Verify current exhibitions before your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Former Prison Architecture
Throughout the building
Explore the atmospheric stone walls, iron-barred windows, and domed ceilings of this historic 18th-century courthouse and jail.
Extensive Camera Collection
Upper floor
Discover a vast array of historical photographic equipment, from early manufacturers to iconic brands like Kodak and Leica.
Temporary Photography Exhibitions
Various galleries
Immerse yourself in diverse contemporary, documentary, and historical Portuguese photography exhibitions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Atmosphere of an Old Jail
Check for Exhibition Openings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Enjoy the museum and its exhibitions completely free of charge. A rare gem!
Check Exhibition Status :clipboard:
Parts of the museum may be closed for renovations or events. Verify current exhibitions before your visit.
Soak in the Atmosphere :camera_with_flash:
The building's history as a jail adds a unique ambiance. Take time to appreciate the architecture.
Combine with City Tours :world_map:
The center is a common meeting point for Porto walking tours.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Enjoy the museum and its exhibitions completely free of charge. A rare gem!
Check Exhibition Status :clipboard:
Parts of the museum may be closed for renovations or events. Verify current exhibitions before your visit.
Soak in the Atmosphere :camera_with_flash:
The building's history as a jail adds a unique ambiance. Take time to appreciate the architecture.
Combine with City Tours :world_map:
The center is a common meeting point for Porto walking tours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors frequently praise the Portuguese Centre of Photography for its free admission and the unique, atmospheric setting within a former prison. The extensive camera collection and diverse exhibitions are also highlights. Some reviewers noted that parts of the museum were closed for renovation, which impacted their experience.
"Visited the center of photography as this was the meeting point for the walking tour of the city. The building which was a jail in the old times is converted into a museum. The building is very gorgeous and the architecture is magnificent. I was not able to visit the museum inside but from the onset it looked good. There is a vast space in front of this where various functions happen, during my visit I saw a music concert there."
Akash Bhattacharjee
"I stumbled on this place by accident and ended up loving it. It’s inside an old 18th-century courthouse and former prison—with thick stone walls, iron-barred windows, and a beautiful domed ceiling. Super quiet and atmospheric, which made it perfect for enjoying the photography. Best part? It was completely free. If you’re wandering around Porto, definitely check it out."
Anais Han
"Most of the museum was closed for renovation.
Photography stuff that was there was worth seeing.
I do like photography, but I was more interested in the actual building with it being an old Portuguese jail.
If all the exhibitions were open, I'd have probably given it five stars"
Andrew Monaghan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Portuguese Centre of Photography is centrally located in Porto, making it easily accessible. Many visitors arrive by foot as it's a common meeting point for city walking tours. Public transport options like buses and trams are also available, with stops typically a short walk away. If you're using ride-sharing apps like Bolt, you can also use them to get dropped off nearby.
Yes, the center is situated in a vibrant area of Porto, close to many other key attractions. It's often a starting point for exploring the historic city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, and parts of the museum may be closed for renovation or special events. It's recommended to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
No, admission to the Portuguese Centre of Photography is generally free. This makes it an excellent and accessible cultural experience for all visitors.
Since admission is typically free, advance booking is usually not required. However, for special events or performances, it's always a good idea to check if tickets are needed.
📸 📸 Photography & Exhibits
The center showcases a wide range of photography, including contemporary, documentary, and historical Portuguese works. They also have a permanent collection of vintage cameras.
Photography policies can vary depending on the exhibition. While general photography of the building's architecture is usually permitted, it's best to check for specific restrictions within exhibition spaces.
The permanent collection features an extensive display of historical photographic equipment, showcasing the evolution of cameras from various manufacturers.
Exhibitions are often temporary. Visitors have praised specific exhibits like the Zamoyski exhibit for its impact. It's best to check the center's current schedule for what's on display during your visit.
🎫 🏛️ Building & History
The building has a significant history as an 18th-century courthouse and a former prison. This unique past contributes to its atmospheric and distinctive character.
The architecture is notable for its historic elements, including thick stone walls, iron-barred windows, and beautiful domed ceilings, reflecting its past as a jail and courthouse.
For Different Travelers
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History Enthusiasts
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Setting: A Former Prison
This historical context adds a layer of intrigue to any visit. Imagine the stories these walls could tell! The architecture itself is a significant draw, with many visitors specifically mentioning their interest in the building's former life as a jail.
Exploring the Camera Collection
You can see iconic brands like Kodak, Zeiss Ikon, Ernemann, Leica, Polaroid, and Hasselblad, among many others. This extensive display provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and innovation that went into creating these historical devices.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit