It was created from a former alcohol and tobacco factory, which gives the building its characteristic industrial aesthetic, which contrasts with the vivid exhibitions, residencies, performances, and artistic research that are happening there.

The centre combines old and new architecture in a way that feels both modern and deeply tied to the island landscape. Its spaces include exhibition rooms, workshops, a documentation centre, an auditorium, and educational areas. The centre preserved its factory structures to help the site keep its memory while giving it a new cultural purpose.

Visitors can explore temporary exhibitions, attend events, and see how contemporary art is made by local Azorean artists. The centre also works as a platform for education and cultural exchange.

Have you visited Arquipélago? How did you feel when you entered this former factory?