A city on a human scale, it holds the promise of a peaceful pace of life where nature remains omnipresent, while at the same time being the breeding ground for a thriving artistic and entrepreneurial scene. From studios to workshops, artists and designers are developing innovative and conceptual projects, inspired by the city’s unique atmosphere.
Julie de Halleux is one of key players responsible for setting this momentum in motion. Based in Portugal for the last ten years, she has developed a passion for the local design and craftsmanship, so much so in fact that she founded the Lisbon by Design fair, an event that has become a benchmark for enthusiasts of the genre. By showcasing exclusive pieces and talent from the region, she is helping to put Lisbon firmly on the international map. She was also instrumental in the creation of Lisbon Design Week, and organises private studio visits, offering an insider’s view of the production process. Thanks to her commitment, she is breathing new life into Portuguese design, showcasing the richness and uniqueness of the local know-how. Drawing on her extensive experience, Julie is our guide through her adopted homeland, sharing with us along the way her tips for the country’s best addresses and hidden treasures.
MAAT – imagine, inhabit and invent
Located on the banks of the Tagus, MAAT is an avant-garde cultural centre that explores the interactions between art, architecture and technology. It is carving out a place for itself as a catalyst for reflection and action, with the aim of rethinking our commitment to the world and its ecosystem. Designed by British architect Amanda Levete, its undulating construction, reminiscent of the river’s waves, is an architectural work in itself. Its graceful, futuristic appearance blends seamlessly into its surroundings, while creating a striking contrast with the neighbouring historic buildings.
From April 2025, the museum will be hosting a major exhibition displaying the work of the finalists in the EDP Foundation’s New Artists Awards. This biennial prize was created in 2000 with the aim of revealing new young emerging talent. It has since grown to become one of the most prestigious events in the Portuguese art world, helping to give the support and recognition they deserve to artists injecting the industry with new ideas.
ART GALLERY
Made in situ, local co-creation
Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, a French designer and founder of the Made in Situ studio-gallery, creates collections in collaboration with local craftsmen and women, highlighting natural materials and Portuguese know-how. Inspired by azulejos, the local tin-glazed ceramic tilework, he presented a triptych of panels at the last Lisbon by Design to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Viuva Lamego brand. Noé doesn’t just produce objects, he co-creates pieces that are pregnant with meaning, in an approach that is both intellectual and artistic. His work is a hymn to humanity, nature and culture.
SILENT LIVING
A peaceful existence
Each home in the Silent Living group was originally a private residence, like Casa No Tempo, restored by architect Manuel Aires Mateus. Its walls bear the tender memory of moments shared with family, and its lush countryside inspires a deep connection with the surrounding nature. The neighbouring farm, Herdade No Tempo, feeds both the inhabitants and the soul, symbolising this intimate link with the land. Once holiday hideaways for family and friends, these houses are now open to travellers, offering a unique experience where happiness is cultivated with every passing moment.
AMANDE HAEGHEN shapes the invisible
Based in Lisbon since 2021, Amande Haeghen is the founder of Maison Haeg, a studio dedicated to ceramics and glass, designed as a place for creation and experimentation. Part workshop, part artistic residence, this hybrid space is the beating heart of her research, where she gives shape to works that seem to come to life under her fingers. A cross between design and sculpture, her creations exude a subtle femininity, imbued with softness. The contrasting materials – rough stoneware, smooth glass, timeless porcelain – reflect a quest to make the elusive tangible. Inspired by nature, from the Arcachon Basin and the Dune du Pyla, where Amande grew up, to the Portuguese coast that has become her home, she captures the ephemeral: a veil lifted by the wind, the shimmer of a wave, the expansion of a glass bubble. Although seemingly fixed by their materiality, her pieces nevertheless seem to vibrate with silent movement, suspended somewhere between strength and fragility.
GUEST HOUSE
Natural refinement
Between the hills and olive groves of the Alentejo, São Lourenço do Barrocal reveals a Portugal untouched by time. Restored by Eduardo Souto de Moura, this 19th-century farmhouse blends respect for its heritage with understated luxury. The Anahory Almeida architecture and design studio have infused it with a sober elegance through their handcrafted furniture, raw materials, natural textiles and subdued lighting. Beyond the enchanting setting, a host of activities awaits visitors: wine tastings, country picnics, horse riding and wellness rituals at the spa.
GASTRONOMY
A culinary performance
It would be impossible to talk about exceptional places without mentioning the Palácio do Grilo, founded by Julien Labrousse in the former Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. Transformed into a restaurant-theatre, this baroque-style establishment offers an immersive experience where gastronomy and the performing arts meet in an effervescent setting. Each room features a different scenography, from artistic performances to theatrical plays, immersing diners in an imaginary world. The plates serve as stages for the culinary creations : a spellbinding treat! At the Palácio, you can instantly feel the magic as it redefines the art of the dinner show with flair and emotion.
