Mundos Antigos

The Galeria de Arte Pintor Samora Barros is a prominent exhibition space for the visual arts located in the historic center of Albufeira (at Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco / Travessa Cândido dos Reis).

Building and Architecture

• Historic Repurposing: Originally built in the early 20th century as the town’s power plant, the building was later transformed into an art gallery.

• Facade and Azulejos: The exterior features large arched windows that flood the interior with natural light, along with decorative ceramic tiles (azulejos) designed by Samora Barros himself.

• Layout: The gallery spans two floors (a main floor and a mezzanine/upper floor), offering roughly 140 m² of exhibition space.

The Namesake

• The gallery is named after José Ricardo Júdice de Samora Barros (1887–1972), a distinguished painter and educator from Albufeira.

• Trained at the Fine Arts Academy in Lisbon, he dedicated much of his work to depicting the landscapes, traditions, and everyday life of the Algarve region.

Function and Visiting Info

• Rotating Exhibitions: Admission is free. The space serves as a platform for local and regional artists, hosting temporary exhibitions of painting, drawing, and sculpture.

• Cultural Oasis: Located right off the main town square, it provides a quiet cultural pause amidst the bustle of Albufeira’s old town.