What is ARCOlisboa?
ARCOlisboa is Portugal’s leading international contemporary art fair and one of the most significant cultural events on the European calendar. Organised by IFEMA Madrid in partnership with the Lisbon City Council, the fair returns in 2027 to the Cordoaria Nacional for its 10th edition, from 27 to 30 May.
A Decade in Lisbon
ARCOlisboa was founded in 2017 as the first international project of the ARCO fair, based in Madrid, choosing Lisbon as its stage to extend its reach towards the Atlantic. From its first edition, which brought together 45 galleries from 8 countries, the fair has grown consistently to become an unmissable reference in the global contemporary art market.
The 2026 edition, which marked ten years of the fair in Lisbon, welcomed 83 galleries from 17 countries and recorded over 15,000 visitors, consolidating Lisbon’s status as one of Europe’s most dynamic cultural destinations.
ARCOlisboa is organised around two main sections. The General Programme brings together galleries selected by the Organising Committee, representing the established international contemporary art market. The Opening section is dedicated to younger galleries and emerging projects, serving as a showcase for new tendencies and early-career artists.
Beyond the galleries, the fair includes a programme of talks and debates – the Art Talks -, sessions dedicated to art and photography publications, and educational programmes. The Lisbon City Council plays an active role in the fair, acquiring works for the public collection, reinforcing the institutional commitment to contemporary artistic creation.
The Cordoaria Nacional
The building that hosts ARCOlisboa is, in itself, an experience. The Cordoaria Nacional is a 17th-century historical building located in Belém, on the banks of the River Tagus. With its large industrial naves and the characteristic light that filters through the roof structures, the space offers unique conditions for exhibiting art – creating a constant dialogue between historical heritage and contemporary creation.
The Torreão Nascente wing typically houses the Foro auditorium, where the conferences and debates of the parallel programme take place.
Who Visits ARCOlisboa
ARCOlisboa attracts a diverse audience: national and international collectors, gallerists, curators, museum directors, artists, art students and a general public with an interest in contemporary creation. On the days open to the wider public, admission has been free for visitors under 25, which has contributed to a growing presence of younger audiences.
For industry professionals, the VIP opening days are the central moment of the fair, with gallery presentations, working meetings and the activation of the prizes awarded during the event.
Arrive at ARCOlisboa with a Private Driver
For collectors, art professionals and visitors who want to experience ARCOlisboa without any logistical concerns, Amiroad offers a dedicated private transport service. With an executive car and professional driver, you arrive at the Cordoaria Nacional directly, with no queues or parking to worry about, and leave whenever you choose.
The service is particularly valued by those attending the fair on VIP days, by clients flying into Lisbon specifically for the event, and by groups looking to combine their visit to ARCOlisboa with other cultural or dining experiences in the city. We can also handle transfers between the airport, your hotel and the fair, making your entire Lisbon experience seamless from start to finish.
image right from Ifema