I’ve walked by Árvore Cooperativa de Actividades Artísticas countless times, but this was the first time I popped inside — albeit briefly, because I had Ice the Dog with me. Look what I’ve been missing!
For one thing, I’ve been missing out on the best views of one of my favourite green spaces in Porto: Jardim Das Virtudes. I’ve seen Árvore‘s terrace from Jardim Das Virtudes, but for some reason I thought it was part of an office and not open to the general public.
Árvore (“Tree”) is an artistic and cultural cooperative founded in 1963 by members of the artistic communities, now expanded to 1,400 members and in its current home since 1989 (the building is from 1763). There’s a shop, exhibition space, workshop spaces, offices, restaurant, and more:
http://www.arvorecoop.pt/
I was drawn in by the view from the restaurant and terrace, and that’s where I’ll aim for next time — I’ve heard good things about their lunch. I’d also like to properly check out the shop and art gallery. They are in such a good location, next to the garden and Passeio das Virtudes.
(The next two exterior shots are not really typical of the street art around Porto, as they look to be commissioned for the building.)
March 8, 2016
Album: Portugal [Winter 2015/2016]
