Located in the charismatic Lisbon neighbourhood of Chiado and built between 1777 and 1788, the Barão de Quintela e Conde de Farrobo Palace is a striking example of the architectural style known as Pombaline, which dominated Lisbon’s reconstruction following the earthquake of 1755. Extensively remodelled and improved by generations of owners, the Palace was enriched with decorative plasterwork, oil paintings and frescos by Portuguese Neoclassical artists António Manuel da Fonseca and Cyrillo Volkmar Machado.

Official residence of General Junot during the Napoleonic invasions, the scene of lavish social gatherings and the creation of the Portuguese Republican Party in the early 20th century, once a museum, antiques salon and home to the world’s largest dedicated Camões library, the history of the Palace mirrors that of the city itself. Awarded the status of classified heritage building of public interest in 1938, the Palace was the headquarters of IADE, one of Portugal’s leading design schools, upon its establishment in 1969 and has since become the school’s cultural headquarters.

The result of a partnership with IADE, experimentadesign takes on the curatorial direction of Palácio Quintela from, June 16, 2010 till June 16, 2011, with a regular programme. The common goal of experimentadesign and IADE is to position the Palace as a thriving hub in design and architecture. Diversified, accessible and stimulating, the programme aims to attract and engage more participants in the discussion and exploration around these disciplines and other contemporary creative practices. In addition to exhibitions, the venue will also host master classes, debates, launches, performances and lectures. Open to independent cultural agents, new collaborations and transdisciplinary projects, Palácio Quintela is a creative hub for experimentation and innovation, inviting dialogue and sharing. From Lisbon, reaching out to the world.