Parque de Serralves in Porto is the space of green aesthetic

Can the aesthetics of a space affect our well-being? And how exactly does it work? We believe it can, and while we don’t want to delve into the deep aspects of how this works, we have repeatedly seen that a park fosters a connection with nature—an essential human need. Is there anything else? Yes.

Aesthetic pleasure is the first thing that comes to mind when we find ourselves in Parque de Serralves in Porto. This oasis of elegance and refinement, where nature and art intertwine in a sophisticated union, captivates with its luxurious gardens and historical architecture in the Art Deco and Modernist styles.

The city park has been the location for several Vogue campaigns. One of the most recent was for Vogue Arabia’s spring-summer collection of 2021, which was shot in the park, showcasing elegant outfits against the backdrop of manicured gardens and the historic villa. Elle Decoration has also utilized the park's diverse landscapes to create unique images and concepts, and for the Salute project, the park has become an indispensable part of the wellbeing section for city dwellers.

Parque de Serralves was created in the early 20th century when Count Carvalho Monteiro acquired the land and commissioned its design from the famous French landscape architect Jacques Greber. The parque de Serralves was opened to the public in 1987 and covers an area of about 18 hectares.

The vast area with gardens, woods, and ponds is ideal for strolling and relaxation, and the sense of engagement with something interesting arises from the numerous details you encounter, which capture and challenge you. It may sound strange, but we mean art objects and nothing more.

We intentionally overlook the Serralves Villa—the pale pink Art Deco mansion that is the central architectural element of the park—as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art designed by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, which opened in 1999.

Our focus is on the variety of art installations and sculptures in the parque de Serralves that one needs to decipher. While we search for meanings, we can discuss the creators of these installations and sculptures, such as:

• Anish Kapoor / Sky Mirror, 2018

• Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen / Plantoir, 2001

• Yayoi Kusama / 2024

• Rui Chafes / Travessia, 2022

• Olafur Eliasson / The Curious Vortex, 2019

• Dan Graham / Double Exposure, 1993/2003

• Angelo De Sousa / Um Jardim Catoptrico, 2002

• Aristide Maillol / La Baigneuse Drapee, 1921

• Pond in the park with an art installation on the water / Temporary exhibition, 2024

Currently, the parque de Serralves is managed by the Serralves Foundation, which oversees its restoration and maintenance. The Foundation actively collaborates with various artists and architects to develop and update the park.