◆ Besides Gulbenkian, where do you go to soak up some culture?

The cultural offering in the city is so rich right now that it’s hard to keep up, with a healthy balance between institutions and independent spaces. I’ve seen some of the most beautiful shows in Lisbon at Pavilhão Branco, which is part of the municipal galleries network run by the City Council. The exhibitions there always dialogue exquisitely with the modernist building and the surrounding park.

Kunsthalle Lissabon has been commissioning great art for the last 20 years, maintaining a fresh and vibrant feel, while Hangar in Graça is doing important work on decolonization through exhibitions, artist residencies, and events.
 

◆ Who’s your favorite artist right now?

There are so many! I’m currently obsessed with Ana Hatherly (Porto, 1929 – Lisbon, 2015) – a seminal artist who experimented across different mediums. Her maxim, “art is a filter for life,” resonates deeply with me. “As ruas de Lisboa,” a series of collages she made from posters collected during the Carnation Revolution in 1974, captures the indescribable energy of freedom, hope, and celebration all at once.
 

◆ Which outdoor spaces do you like to explore?

I may be biased, but Gulbenkian is an iconic modern garden and one of the finest examples of Portuguese landscape architecture. I love how it’s embraced by the city and creates emotional connections with everyone who knows it. The new CAM extends the gardens toward the southern part of the city, and architect Kengo Kuma and landscape designer Vladimir Djurovic have created an extraordinary space that is activated by contemporary art and the people who visit it. More than a place to visit, we hope it will be lived in by everyone in Lisbon.

I also adore Jardim das Amoreiras. It’s my favorite garden and square in the city, and I’ve spent countless hours in the kiosk, enjoying the distinct smell of wild garlic that I love so much.

Estufa Fria is another magical space in central Lisbon. It’s wild and romantic, with lush vegetation, water, and grotto caves. I’ve seen incredible art installations and events there – it’s a dream scenario!
 

◆ What are your favorite things about your neighborhood?

I live between Campo de Ourique and Jardim das Amoreiras, and it’s so peaceful. I make breakfast every morning to the sound of birds – how incredible is that? I also have views of the iconic Águas Livres building, a wonderful modernist housing project from the 1950s designed by Nuno Teotónio Pereira and Bartolomeu Costa Cabral, inspired by Le Corbusier’s ideas on communal living.
 

◆ A few books for the coffee table?

“A Story of Art Without Men” by Katy Hessel has just been translated into Portuguese and is already a classic. Her research into women artists is also reflected on her Instagram page (@greatwomenartists) and in her podcast series, “Death of an Artist.”

I’m passionate about creating new narratives that challenge the “official” ones, so I’ll also mention CAM’s children’s book series “Heroines in the Arts,” which highlights the lives and works of incredible women artists from our collection. It’s so important to tell these stories to kids!
 

◆ Tell us about your perfect day in Lisbon, from sunrise to sunset.

There are endless ways to enjoy a perfect day in Lisbon, but here’s one possibility. Every Saturday, I go dancing for an hour at Jazzy Santos, a local dance school. There’s no talking – just 60 strangers dancing freely and wildly. It’s become fundamental for my sanity to switch off my brain and be fully in my body for that hour.

Afterward, I like to catch up on any exhibitions I’ve missed, turning it into a hangout with friends. Casa da Cerca in Almada is a favorite spot, offering great art, stunning views, and a botanical garden featuring plants historically used in artistic production.

For sunset, it’s dinner and drinks at Trinca with friends – they serve the best tacos and tequila! And I can confidently vouch for the mescalitas leaving no hangover at all.
 

◆ What do you like about Portuguese gastronomy?

Coriander! I know it’s a cliché, but it’s something we don’t use in Spanish cuisine, and it’s been a total discovery for me. Now, I add it to almost everything!
 

◆ What’s your favorite dish, and where do you find it?

Canalha serves contemporary Portuguese food, led by chef João Rodrigues. I’m a huge fan of his project, Projecto Matéria, which charts and promotes national producers with sustainable practices. Tasca Zebras is another favorite – a traditional tasca turned contemporary without losing its soul, which is quite an achievement. We go there often for the food, the wine, and the great atmosphere.