Audio GuidePavilhão de Portugal Expo 98

Welcome to the Pavilhão de Portugal Expo Nineteen Ninety-Eight, a stunning example of contemporary architecture in Lisbon’s Parque das Nações. Designed by the renowned architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, this grand concrete pavilion was the centerpiece of Portugal’s national representation during the Nineteen Ninety-Eight World Exposition.

As you approach, you’re greeted by an impressive two-layered concrete canopy, gracefully stretching fifty meters and wavering like sails over the Tagus River. The robust structure, supported by steel cables, creates a spacious outdoor area perfect for concerts and civic events.

Piotr Mikulski

Siza’s minimalist and functional design reflects Portugal’s rich maritime heritage and takes inspiration from traditional Portuguese architecture. The pavilion’s white surfaces and pale tiles complement the natural light, enhancing its modern yet inviting atmosphere. After the Expo, the pavilion was honored as a Monument of Public Interest and later transformed by the University of Lisbon into a hub for cultural and educational activities.

Between two thousand nineteen and two thousand twenty-one, a nine million euro project requalified the space, ensuring it remains a vibrant venue for exhibitions, congresses, and public gatherings. The pavilion’s flexible layout and strategic location by the Tagus River, alongside the Vasco da Gama Bridge, make it an essential landmark in Lisbon.

Whether attending an outdoor concert beneath the grand canopy or exploring an exhibition, the Pavilhão de Portugal Expo Nineteen Ninety-Eight offers a unique blend of architectural beauty and cultural significance, inviting visitors to experience the heart of Lisbon’s modern heritage.