Historic warehouse reborn as arts centre
An old warehouse once owned by Portimão shipowner Luís Benedito – formerly used to support the mechanics and logistics of fishing trawlers, as well as the storage of nets and other maritime equipment – has been brought back to life and is currently undergoing restoration by António Serra and Cristina Canto, proprietors of the Canto & Serra Gallery.
Well known within the regional arts community, their company offers specialised digital printing, art sales and bespoke framing services, an activity António has pursued since 1992.
Cristina, meanwhile, comes from a distinguished artistic family as she is the granddaughter of sculptor Ernesto Canto da Maya.
The gallery features an excellent selection of works by both Portuguese and international artists, offering something for every taste. It also hosts regular cultural events that bring the local community together and celebrate Portimão’s artistic heritage.
António and Cristina first met in 2021, beginning a personal relationship that soon grew into a strengthened professional partnership. What had long been António’s solo venture, known as Galeria XXI, evolved in 2022 into today’s Canto & Serra Lda. Shortly afterwards, the pair purchased the warehouse just a few metres from the gallery’s main premises.
Following substantial investment and careful renovation, the newly revived space, named Armazém das Artes (Art Warehouse), is a bright, expansive arts centre designed to host exhibitions, creative workshops and summer events. Its spacious courtyard further enhances its potential as a gathering place for cultural encounters throughout the warmer months. Its first collective exhibition of photography and painting opened for Christmas 2024.
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