Casa da Música
Porto
Casa da Música is a landmark concert hall located in Porto, Portugal, designed by the acclaimed Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and inaugurated in 2005. It was conceived as part of Porto's designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2001, marking the city's cultural prominence. The building is distinguished by its unique asymmetrical polyhedral shape, covered in white cement plaques and large glass windows, making it the only concert hall worldwide with two walls made entirely of glass. Inside, it features a 1300-seat main auditorium suffused with natural daylight and a flexible secondary hall for various performances. The interiors, designed by Petra Blaisse's Inside Outside studio, include notable elements such as gold leaf woodgrain patterns. Casa da Música functions not only as a venue for public concerts but also as a center for artistic training and creation, hosting a diverse program ranging from classical to contemporary music. Its architecture has been internationally acclaimed, drawing comparisons to Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. The building stands prominently on the Boavista roundabout, replacing an old tram terminus, and has quickly become a symbol of Porto's modern cultural identity.
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Astuce: For visitors, the best time to experience Casa da Música is during one of its many scheduled concerts or cultural events, which cover a wide range of musical genres. It is advisable to check the official website in advance to book tickets, as popular performances can sell out. The venue offers educational workshops and interactive presentations, enhancing the visitor experience. Consider arriving early to appreciate the building's striking architecture and explore the open plaza surrounding it. Discounts may be available for students and seniors, so inquire when purchasing tickets. The concert hall is accessible by public transport and provides visitor services such as guided tours and a restaurant offering quality cuisine.
Faits intéressants
- •Casa da Música is the only concert hall in the world with two walls made entirely of glass.
- •The building's design was compared by critics to Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
- •It was constructed on the site of the former tram terminus at Boavista roundabout.
- •The interiors feature 13 large surfaces with gold leaf woodgrain patterns in the main auditorium.
- •The building's unique asymmetrical polyhedral shape challenged engineers during construction.
Histoire
The project for Casa da Música was initiated in 1999 following an international architectural competition won by Rem Koolhaas.
Construction began that same year on a site previously used as a tram depot at the Boavista roundabout.
Originally planned to open in 2001 to coincide with Porto's year as European Capital of Culture, delays pushed the inauguration to April 2005.
The building's engineering posed significant challenges due to its unconventional geometry, with design collaboration involving firms from London and Porto.
Since its opening, Casa da Música has become an emblem of contemporary architecture and cultural life in Porto, hosting the Porto National Orchestra and numerous international artists.
In 2005, efforts began to classify it as a Property of Public Interest, highlighting its cultural significance.
Guide du lieu
Main Auditorium2005
The main concert hall seats approximately 1300 people and is designed to be suffused with natural daylight, creating a unique atmosphere for performances. Its acoustic design is tailored for a wide range of musical genres.
Secondary Hall (Sala 2)2005
A flexible performance space accommodating around 300 seated or up to 650 standing guests, adaptable for various concert and event configurations.
Exterior Architecture1999-2005
The building's asymmetrical polyhedral form is clad in white cement plaques and punctuated by large undulated or flat glass windows, making it a striking modernist landmark in Porto.
Reception Hall and Plaza2005
The reception area welcomes visitors into a vast open plaza paved with yellowish-brown marble, providing an inviting public space and setting the tone for the architectural experience.
Contact
Téléphone: 22 012 0220
