Kunsthalle Lissabon

Kunsthalle Lissabon was founded in 2009 by Luís Silva and João Mourão with the aim of testing and rethinking institutional models in contemporary art. Since then, KL has developed a programme focused on artistic and curatorial practices that operate across disciplines and prioritise transparency.

Although based in Lisbon, the organisation’s name refers to the Kunsthalle model without adhering to its conventional structure. KL does not position itself as a traditional institution, nor does it follow standard museum or gallery frameworks.

A central aspect of KL’s approach is its engagement with institutional critique from within existing systems. Rather than rejecting established structures, the organisation works by questioning and reworking them through its activities.

KL also emphasises forms of engagement that differ from market-driven or hierarchical models, bringing attention to alternative ways of producing, presenting, and discussing art. Hospitality—understood as openness, collaboration, and shared responsibility—remains a guiding principle.

For more than 15 years, Kunsthalle Lissabon has maintained collaborations with artists, curators, researchers, and other institutions, building an international network while remaining locally active.

Kunsthalle Lissabon is supported by República Portuguesa – Cultura, Juventude e Desporto / Direção-Geral das Artes / Rede Portuguesa de Arte Contemporânea (RPAC), Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, and Vasco Collection.