Casa da Música is a concert hall in Porto’s Boavista area, designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and opened in 2005. Its angular concrete-and-glass exterior looks very different from the city’s historic buildings, and the changing form is worth seeing from outside. Inside, a guided or self-guided tour takes you through spaces with distinct acoustics, including the 1,238-seat Suggia Hall and the flexible Hall 2. Check the programme for concerts, or look for free outdoor performances on the esplanade in summer.
A concert hall with an angular profile
Casa da Música stands in Porto’s Boavista area, at the Boavista roundabout. Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas designed the building, which opened in 2005. Its large, irregular form combines concrete and glass, creating a marked contrast with the historic streets closer to Porto’s centre.
The hall was conceived as part of the city’s European Capital of Culture programme in 2001. Its purpose is musical: performances span classical and contemporary work, as well as genres such as jazz and fado. The building is also home to the Porto National Orchestra.
The halls and their acoustics
The main Suggia Hall seats 1,238 people. Hall 2 is a more flexible space with 300 seats. Casa da Música was designed around live performance, and the different rooms have their own acoustic character.
A concert is one way to experience the building in use. The programme includes a range of musical styles, from orchestral performances to experimental projects. Check the venue’s schedule for dates that fit your stay; some shows can sell out ahead of time.
Tours inside Casa da Música
Tours let you look beyond the building’s striking exterior and explore its interior spaces. A guided tour gives context about the design, while a self-guided option uses QR codes and an audio guide that you can follow on your phone with headphones.
The rooms have distinct atmospheres and acoustic qualities, so a tour gives you a different perspective from simply seeing the building from the street. If architecture is your main interest, the guided format can add detail about the design.
Music beyond the auditoriums
The venue’s programme is not limited to ticketed concerts inside the halls. Free outdoor concerts take place on the esplanade in summer. The café terrace also hosts live music, with performances that have included folk, jazz, classical and blues.
Check the current programme before you go to see what is scheduled during your visit. Families can spend time on the reception floor before shows or events, where children have room to move around.
FAQ
Can you visit Casa da Música without attending a concert?
Yes. You can take a guided tour or explore on a self-guided visit using QR codes and an audio guide.
Who designed Casa da Música?
Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas designed the building. It opened in 2005.
How many seats are in the main halls?
The Suggia Hall has 1,238 seats, while Hall 2 has 300.
Are there free concerts at Casa da Música?
Free outdoor concerts take place on the esplanade in summer.
