Cities
Portugal Lisbon Lisboa Gallery

Appleton Square

About

Founded in 2007 by curator Vera Appleton, Appleton is an independent, non-profit art space in Lisbon’s Alvalade district dedicated to experimentation and contemporary thought. Housed in a repurposed garage, its programming unfolds across three distinct areas: Square, a white-cube gallery for long-form exhibitions; Box, a more experimental space; and Garagem, a nomadic music programme curated by Manuel Mota and David Maranha. Appleton hosts exhibitions, performances, residencies, and educational initiatives, including the Sandbox programme for schools and families. In 2020, it launched a podcast series to amplify voices within Portugal’s art ecosystem. Since 2022, Appleton has welcomed artists for extended residencies, fostering deeper engagement with production and installation. Supported by Lisbon’s municipal government and DGArtes, it is part of the RPAC network for contemporary art. With a focus on transdisciplinary dialogue and cultural accessibility, Appleton remains a vital platform for artistic innovation in Lisbon.

Lisbon Portugal
Appleton Square
Location

Appleton Square is located at Rua Acácio Paiva, 27 r/c, in the Alvalade district of Lisbon, an area known for its welcoming blend of residential calm and cultural vitality. Founded in 2007, Appleton Square serves as an independent, non-profit contemporary art space that fosters experimentation and learning, showcasing diverse visual arts, video, performance, dance, cinema, theatre, and music in various dedicated rooms within the building. The venue is known for its vibrant and innovative program, including artist residencies and educational services, and it operates with both private support and public cultural funding. Nearby, visitors to Appleton Square can experience the distinctive character of Alvalade, which offers a quiet, local atmosphere with access to daily amenities, green spaces, and traditional Lisbon neighborhoods. The location is well connected by public transport, making it easy to extend the visit to other parts of the city. The space itself combines architectural charm with a focus on contemporary culture, making it an essential stop for art enthusiasts exploring Lisbon’s evolving creative scene. Open Tuesday to Saturday, Appleton Square provides a dynamic platform for cultural engagement beyond the typical commercial gallery circuit.

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