From Wine to Art: How WOW is Shaping Porto’s Cultural Landscape
The expansive World of Wine Cultural District in Porto, one of the largest wine tourism projects in Europe in recent years, involved substantial investments exceeding €105 million. This project ranks among the most significant globally, not just for its financial scale but also for its conceptual and strategic depth.
Since 2020, it has elevated Porto to the status of Europe’s wine capital – a topic we have thoroughly covered on Wine Travel Awards channels. In 2024, WOW was recognized by the WTA judging panel, composed of global wine industry leaders, as the winner of the award for Education in Enotourism in the Cultural Mission Category, reflecting WOW’s profound commitment to transforming Porto into Portugal’s wine capital.
A key highlight of WOW is the Atkinson Museum, a true cultural landmark in Porto, which opened its doors in the latter half of 2023. Set in a house nearly 300 years old, built in 1760 and meticulously restored by The Fladgate Partnership in 2000, it seamlessly connects the city’s history with its modern art scene.
This museum is a remarkable addition to the six exceptional museums, wine school, and restaurant complex encircling the central square, offering a cinematically stunning and unique view of Porto’s Ribeira.
With its strategic location, the museum not only enhances Porto’s cultural landscape but also firmly places Portugal on the international art map.
One of the museum’s most unique features is its adjacent chapel. Its once-faded murals have been beautifully restored, showcasing the vivid frescoes of Nicolau Nasoni, a celebrated Baroque architect whose works, like the famous Clérigos Tower, define Porto’s architectural heritage. Visitors are invited on a visual journey through these biblical scenes, celebrating both legacy and the artistry of restoration.
Currently, the Atkinson Museum hosts the “Dali Universe” exhibition, which runs from June 19 to October 31, 2024. This showcase spans Salvador Dalí’s diverse artistry, from his bold paintings and sculptures to rare photography by Robert Descharnes, offering an intimate look at the artist’s life between 1955 and 1985. The exhibition not only highlights Dalí’s impact on 20th-century art but also reflects the museum’s dedication to blending historical and contemporary influences, an ethos deeply intertwined with WOW’s cultural mission.
Tickets for “Dali Universe” are available online, priced at €15 for adults and half-price for children. Open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, the Atkinson Museum invites you to experience this fusion of history, art, and wine culture in Porto’s dynamic wine capital. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Dalí’s legacy at World Of Wine.
This museum is a remarkable addition to the six exceptional museums, wine school, WOW gallery, and restaurant complex encircling the central square, offering a cinematically stunning and unique view of Porto’s Ribeira.
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