Photography Museum (CPF)

Overview

The Centro Português de Fotografia occupies the former Porto prison, a forbidding 18th-century building now hosting photography exhibitions and a permanent collection of historic cameras.

Highlights

• Camera collection: Hundreds of historic cameras from the 19th century to digital era.
• Prison cells: Exhibition spaces in former cells add atmospheric weight.
• Rotating exhibitions: Portuguese and international photography shows.

History

The building served as a prison from 1767 to 1974. It was converted to the photography centre in 1997.

Visitor Tips

• Free entry: Always free.
• Architecture: The prison architecture is worth seeing regardless of exhibitions.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.