Centro das Artes - Casa das Mudas, Contemporary art museum in Calheta, Portugal
Centro das Artes - Casa das Mudas is a contemporary art museum on Madeira's west coast with exhibition galleries, an auditorium, library, and underground parking. The building spans about 12,000 square meters across multiple levels and also includes a restaurant, cafe, and bookshop.
The museum opened in 1992 as part of a regional push to strengthen cultural infrastructure across Madeira. The initiative by the Ponta do Oeste Development Society significantly reshaped the island's art landscape.
The center takes its name from a local plant family and displays contemporary works by artists from the island and beyond. Its rotating exhibitions shape cultural life across Madeira.
The museum sits about 20 minutes from Funchal and provides parking on site. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the building spreads across multiple levels connected by stairs and elevators.
The building was designed by architect Paulo David to nestle into a cliff face overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This integration creates a rare connection between contemporary design and the rocky natural landscape.
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