Un week-end à Coimbra, généreuse cité portugaise où les époques s’entremêlent
Coimbra, the former capital of Portugal, is being rediscovered through its biennial Anozero, titled 'Tenir, donner, recevoir' (Hold, Give, Receive). The exhibition takes over multiple historic sites, including the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, the Sala da Cidade, and the Edifício Chiado municipal museum, featuring works by artists such as Nan Goldin, Taryn Simon, Shilpa Gupta, Julian Charrière, Rui Chafes, and Forensic Architecture. The biennial runs until July 5, 2026, and offers a journey through the city's layered history, from its UNESCO-listed university and baroque library to its winding streets and student traditions.
This article matters because it positions Coimbra as an emerging cultural destination where contemporary art engages with heritage and urban space. By placing international artists in threatened or historic venues, the biennial highlights issues of preservation, speculation, and community, while drawing attention to a city often overshadowed by Lisbon and Porto. It reflects a broader trend of decentralizing art events and using biennials to revitalize regional tourism and cultural identity.