Porto is not only home to historical monuments, but also to avant-garde contemporary art. One example is the Casa da Música concert hall, built in 2005, which is somewhat reminiscent of the opera house in Oslo, Norway.

The architect of this interesting building, whose facade is made of Jordanian marble, is Dutchman Rem Koolhaas.

The building is located right on Praça Mouzinho de Albuquerque, which is dominated by a 45-metre-high column commemorating the Portuguese victory over the French in the 1807-1814 war, as well as many flower beds.

Events and performances

The Casa da Música mainly hosts artistic performances ranging from concerts to ballet to opera and musicals.

You can always find the complete program on the official website: casadamusica.com, where you can also buy tickets online.

Regular prices range between 20 eur and 35 eur depending on the type of performance.

Guided tours

Admission to the main atrium is free and is available daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Opening hours replicate those of a local café.

Guided tours are also available, which take you inside the building where the public cannot normally go. The tours take place twice on weekdays (at 11:00 in Portuguese and at 16:00 in English) and cost 12 eur, see official information.

How to get to the hall?

Casa da Música is on the northwestern edge of the centre and the quickest way to get here is by metro/tram. Use the "Casa da Música" station, through which lines A, B, C, E, F pass.

There is also a bus stop "Boavista-Casa da Música" in the square in front of the entrance, where lines 201, 203, 204, 208, 209, 303, 402, 403, 502, 504, 507, 508 and 704 stop.