Arco Lisboa 2025
ARCOlisboa 2025: A Leading Contemporary Art Platform in Europe
Arco Lisboa, the international contemporary art fair organised by IFEMA MADRID and Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, returns for its 8th edition from 29 May to 1 June at its usual venue, the Cordoaria Nacional. Once again, Lisbon becomes a key hub for contemporary art and culture in Europe, bringing together collectors, gallerists, artists, and professionals from around the world.
Fair Overview
This year’s edition features 83 galleries from 17 countries, showcasing a dynamic conversation between Portuguese, Spanish, and international art. The fair is structured into three main sections:
General Programme: 61 galleries, including returning and first-time participants.
Opening Lisboa: 18 emerging galleries selected by Sofía Lanusse and Diogo Pinto.
As Formas do Oceano (The Shapes of the Ocean): 5 galleries exploring artistic ties between Africa, its diaspora, and other regions, curated by Paula Nascimento and Igor Simões.
Portuguese galleries represent over 36% of the fair (30 in total), while 64% (53 galleries) are international, mainly from Europe—including Spain, Germany, and Italy—as well as Brazil.
Highlights of the General Programme
The General Programme continues to grow, with new names such as Travesía Cuatro, Duarte Sequeira, Set Espai d’Art, and Each Modern, and returning galleries like Vermelho, Nuno Centeno, Rosa Santos, and Fonseca Macedo. Bianca Boeckel and Nave join the General Programme after participating in last year’s Opening Lisboa. Regulars include Bruno Múrias, Cristina Guerra Contemporary Art, Francisco Fino, Madragoa, Pedro Cera, and Carlier | Gebauer, among others.
SOLO Projects
SOLO Projects provide a focused view on the work of individual artists including Karlo Andrei Ibarra (ATM), Klaas Vanhee (Silvestre), Amélie Esterházy (Behncke), Manuel M. Romero (Artnueve), Ricardo Cases (Ángeles Baños), Sonia Navarro (T20), Miki Leal (El Apartamento), Justin Weiler (Romero Paprocki), and Diogo Pimentão (Encounter).
Opening Lisboa
Opening Lisboa explores fresh artistic languages and practices. This year features 18 galleries, including returning names like Beta Contemporary, Salgadeiras, and Kandlhofer, and newcomers such as ADZ Gallery, Simo Bacar, Contemporary Cluster, and Dialogue. 4710 Gallery, winner of the 2024 Opening Lisboa Award, also returns. The space is designed by Portuguese studio Feeders.
As Formas do Oceano
This curated section explores connections between Africa and its diaspora, featuring African Arty (Morocco), Afronova (South Africa), Christophe Person (France), Karla Osorio (Brazil), and Reiners Contemporary Arte (Spain).
ArtsLibris and Publications
ArtsLibris returns with around 30 national and international publishers at the Torreão Nascente da Cordoaria, open to the public free of charge. The space hosts presentations, talks, and debates on art publications, self-publishing, photobooks, and digital editions, with a dedicated Speakers Corner.
Millennium Art Talks
ARCOlisboa continues to foster critical dialogue through the Millennium Art Talks, supported by Fundação Millennium bcp, organised by EGEAC–Cultura Lisboa, and curated by Filipa Oliveira. These are held at Torreão Nascente.
Collectors and Awards
The fair strengthens its international presence through its buyers and influencers programme, welcoming over 150 guests including collectors, curators, and institutional directors. Several awards will be presented, including:
Fundação Millennium bcp Award for Best Stand
Opening Lisboa Award
Studiolo Collection Acquisition Award (Candela A. Soldevilla)
MACAM Acquisition Award
Public Access and Parallel Programme
The public can visit from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June. Visitors under 25 enjoy free entry from 15:00 on Friday and Saturday. The fair runs alongside a vibrant city-wide programme including gallery openings, exhibition visits, and private collection tours.
Lisbon’s cultural scene continues to thrive with major institutions like the newly opened Museu de Arte Contemporânea Armando Martins (MACAM) and the upcoming reopening of the Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian (CAM), joining icons such as MAAT, Museu do Chiado, and Museu Coleção Berardo.
Support and Sponsors
ARCOlisboa is co-organised with Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, and supported by Ministério da Cultura/DGARTES, Fundação EDP, Fundação Millennium bcp, Fundação Vasco Vieira de Almeida, Turismo de Lisboa, and others. Local coordination is managed by Café Pessoa – Cultural Strategies.
