Revitalized Portugal Expo Pavilion undergoes transformation
The Portuguese Pavilion in Lisbon's Parque das Nações, initially conceived by renowned architect Álvaro Siza Vieira for Expo’98, has undergone a substantial renovation and transformation, reemerging as a cutting-edge event center for cultural, scientific, and corporate events.
Dedicated to fostering education, science, and culture, the revitalized facility reopened its doors on May 1, 2025, integrating an exhibition and congress center. The comprehensive renovation project, initiated to better cater to the contemporary needs of the Parque das Nações community, also brought back the Interpretive Centre. This center, iconic of the Pavilion's historical and architectural significance, will coexist with a new 24-hour study area and the António Mega Ferreira library – a joint initiative by Lisbon City Council and the University of Lisbon focused on igniting a new cultural hub for young people and the future of knowledge.
The educational institution, the University of Lisbon, played a central role in the pavilion's reopening, as it launched numerous initiatives commemorating the occasion. Luís Ferreira, the University’s Rector, emphasized the Portuguese Pavilion's symbolic importance. "Since its original conception during Expo'98, the Portuguese Pavilion represents boldness, vision, and the future," he said, highlighting its enduring significance as an unavoidable Lisbon landmark.
The center will officially be inaugurated on May 22, 2025, marking the 23rd anniversary of Expo’98. This event will be accompanied by the unveiling of the Mega Ferreira Library and the Parque das Nações Interpretation Centre. All these advancements are realized through a partnership between the University of Lisbon, Lisbon City Council, and the Parque das Nações Parish Council.
Built specifically for the Expo in 1998, the Portuguese Pavilion received the Valmor Prize that year. Now classified as a Monument of Public Interest, it stands as an iconic landmark, nestled in a prime location alongside the river. Its structure consists of two interconnected elements: a building developing around a courtyard and an enormous covered square suspended by steel cables, defining two imposing concrete porticos.
Though initially constructed with the intention of enduring beyond the Expo, its post-event functions were not clearly outlined at the time. Since then, it has predominantly operated as an exhibition space, also accommodating a restaurant, café, and bar. After the extensive renovation works completed by ULisboa in 2025, the facility is now dedicated to promoting activities in the domains of science, culture, and innovation.
Parque das Nações, a vibrant district born from Expo’98, benefits from the pavilion's resurrection, as it strengthens the area's cultural and scientific offerings and presents a corporate event venue. The revitalized Portuguese Pavilion further establishes Parque das Nações as a dynamic hub in Lisbon.
- The revitalized Portuguese Pavilion, now a cutting-edge event center, offers a new 24-hour study area and the António Mega Ferreira library, contributing to the promotion of learning and personal growth.
- The University of Lisbon, through its partnership with Lisbon City Council and the Parque das Nações Parish Council, encourages education and self-development by integrating an exhibition and congress center into the renovated facility.
- As a Monument of Public Interest, the Portuguese Pavilion, initially designed for Expo'98, continues to symbolize boldness, vision, and the future, aiming to foster cultural, scientific, and corporate events, thus inciting ongoing learning and lifestyle improvements in the community.
