PORTUGAL ISSUE 917 May 2023

The Goethe-Institut, the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institute, has exceptional locations to offer. In Lisbon, Portugal, it occupies the premises of the former Valmor palace in Campo dos Mártires da Pátria. With a magnificent garden, a large auditorium, a renovated library, a café with terrace and several classrooms, it is a multifaceted space, which hosts concerts, film sessions, debates, literary sessions and workshops as well as film and photography shoots, and is well worth discovering.

It includes a breathtaking garden that stands out, among other aspects, for an imposing centenary dragon tree. With plants originating from Asia, Africa and South America, mixed with native vegetation, it is a true oasis in the centre of Lisbon. In summer, there is also a terrace here with varied food and some German specialities. Its various corners make possible not only a relaxed encounter with nature, but also the holding of various cultural events, such as concerts, open-air cinema sessions, parties and literary sessions.

It also holds a beautiful auditorium, which has been the perfect place to showcase German culture for 60 years. With a capacity of 350 people standing and 130 sitting, it holds a stage, a Steinway & Sons grand piano, tables for workshops, a projector and screen for cinema sessions and two simultaneous translation booths. The auditorium hosts various types of events such as conferences, debates, workshops, concerts and music and theatre shows, with the possibility of integrating streaming and simultaneous translation.