What is ARCOlisboa?
ARCOlisboa is Portugal’s leading international contemporary art fair and one of the most significant cultural events on the European calendar. IFEMA Madrid organises it in partnership with the Lisbon City Council. The 10th edition takes place at the Cordoaria Nacional from 27 to 30 May 2027.
A Decade in Lisbon
ARCOlisboa was founded in 2017 as the first international project of the ARCO fair, which is based in Madrid. Lisbon was chosen as the stage to extend the fair’s reach towards the Atlantic. The first edition brought together 45 galleries from 8 countries. The 2026 edition, the ninth, welcomed 83 galleries from 17 countries and an estimated 15,000 visitors. Lisbon City Council bought 25 works by 17 artists for the public collection.
What you will see
The fair has two main sections. The General Programme brings together galleries selected by the Organising Committee, representing the established international market. The Opening section is for younger galleries and emerging projects, a showcase for new tendencies and early-career artists. Prizes include the Fundação Millennium bcp Award for Best Stand and the Opening Lisboa Award.
Beyond the stands, there is a programme of talks and debates, the Art Talks, as well as sessions on art and photography publications and educational activities.
The Cordoaria Nacional
The building is part of the experience. The Cordoaria Nacional in Belém was ordered by the Marquis of Pombal in 1771 and completed in 1779, as a rope factory for the Portuguese Navy. It stands beside the Tagus, in two parallel buildings of more than 350 metres each. It stopped working as a factory in 1998 and now hosts exhibitions. The long industrial naves and the light that enters through the roof create a constant dialogue between heritage and contemporary art. The Torreão Nascente wing usually houses the Foro auditorium, where the conferences take place.
Who visits ARCOlisboa
The audience is diverse: national and international collectors, gallerists, curators, museum directors, artists, art students and the general public. The opening day is for art professionals, and public days follow. In 2026, visitors under 25 entered free on Friday and Saturday. For professionals, the opening day is the central moment, with gallery presentations, meetings and the awarding of prizes. Confirm dates and tickets on the official ARCOlisboa page.
Make a day of Belém
The fair sits in one of Lisbon’s richest districts. Combine it with a visit to the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower or the MAAT museum. Stop for the original custard tart at our Pastéis de Belém stop. Collectors may also enjoy our guides to art, antiques and design shopping in Portugal, Portugal’s historic bookshops and Lisbon’s historic cafés. For dinner, see our guide to the best restaurants in Lisbon.
Arrive at ARCOlisboa with a Private Driver
For collectors, art professionals and visitors who want to experience ARCOlisboa without 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 valued by those attending on the opening day, by clients flying into Lisbon specifically for the event, and by groups who want to combine the fair with other cultural or dining experiences. We also handle transfers between the airport, your hotel and the fair. See our fleet for the vehicles and our private transfers in Lisbon for the airport run.
Image right from Ifema
Frequently asked questions
When is ARCOlisboa 2027?
The organisers announced the 10th edition for 27 to 30 May 2027 at the Cordoaria Nacional. Confirm the dates on the official ARCOlisboa website.
Where is ARCOlisboa held?
At the Cordoaria Nacional in Belém, a former royal rope factory beside the River Tagus.
Is ARCOlisboa open to the public?
Yes. The opening day is for art professionals, and public days follow. In 2026, visitors under 25 entered free on Friday and Saturday.
Who organises ARCOlisboa?
IFEMA Madrid organises it in partnership with the Lisbon City Council. It is the first international project of the ARCO fair, founded in 2017.
