Temporary Exhibitions
Sculpting Light
From 17/10/2026 to 31/01/2027
An exhibition by João Alvim that invites reflection on the place of painting in contemporary times, an era marked by the predominance of digital imagery and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
Bringing together 20 works, the exhibition explores the relationships between material, texture, light and colour, proposing a return to the physical and sensory dimension of the act of painting. The creative process begins with the preparation of the canvas itself, which is worked with different materials to create relief, depth and a unique topography, transforming the support into an active element of the composition.
Starting from dark backgrounds, the works bring light to the surface through the contrast between thick layers of paint and transparent glazes, creating effects of luminosity, depth and chromatic intensity. The pictorial surface thus reveals itself in a constant dialogue with light and with the gaze of the viewer.
“Sculpting Light” invites visitors to slow down their gaze, discover the subtleties of painting in person and rediscover the sensory and emotional experience that only direct contact with a work of art can provide.
Previous Exhibitions
"Dum spiro spero..."
From 06/07/2026 to 30/09/2026
Sacred art has accompanied the two thousand years of Christian history, keeping the expression of the sacred alive throughout the ages. Despite the growing presence of secular themes in contemporary culture, the spiritual dimension continues to assert its place today, including in the field of artistic creation.
The exhibition “Dum spiro spero…” (While I Breathe, I Hope) presents a selection of outstanding works of contemporary Hungarian art, inviting visitors to reflect on hope, faith and the inner strength of the human spirit in the face of the challenges of today’s world.
As part of the 2025 Jubilee Year, the exhibition began its journey in Rome and continued its spiritual pilgrimage at the Monastery of San Francisco in Santo Domingo de Silos, becoming a true Pilgrim of Hope.
In the summer of 2026, Lisbon welcomes this exhibition to the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, where contemporary Hungarian artistic expression reveals the importance of spirituality, community and confidence in a renewed future.
Musical Iconography in the Churches and Chapels of Funchal
From 28/03/2026 to 19/06/2026
The exhibition highlights the rich sacred and religious heritage of Funchal, exploring the presence of music in the iconography of the city’s churches, chapels and museums. Through the identification of musical instruments, musicians and scenes in which music plays a central role, the project offers a new interpretation of musical symbols and representations in the visual arts.
The study involved visits to religious sites, training for the research team, photographic documentation, cataloguing of images and specialist discussions. This approach provides a deeper understanding of how music has contributed to the development of local cultural identity and how it has been artistically represented over the centuries.
The project will also be presented in a catalogue, making a significant contribution to knowledge of the history of art and music in Madeira and strengthening the connection between heritage, culture and education.
Order of Saint Augustine: Past, Present and Future
From 13/11/2025 to 01/03/2026
The exhibition “Past, Present and Future of the Order of Saint Augustine in Portugal” returns after a year of traveling from north to south across the country. This time, it can be visited at the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, in Lisbon.
Organized and presented according to three temporal axes – Past, Present, and Future – the exhibition offers visitors a comprehensive view of the history and significant contributions of the Order of Saint Augustine in Portugal over the centuries. From its beginnings in 1244 to its current presence, the display highlights the Order’s notable figures, historical documents, religious works, and its evolution through time.
Come and discover the Order to which Pope Leo XIV belongs!
São Vicente
(visto)
de Fora
From 21/02/2025 to 08/09/2025
This is a collective photography exhibition that has the participation of several photographers who are part of the Photo Section of the Social Services of the Caixa Geral de Depósitos and the Photography Club of the Sports and Cultural Group of Fidelidade.
With an external and impartial look (as is the case of those who visit the monastery for the first time, something that happens to most tourists), and with an explorer’s spirit, they have walked their own paths guided by their own interests and curiosities. As a result of this adventure, they present here a richly diversified set that dignifies and immortalizes the Monastery from their perspective.
UBI AMOR IBI DOLOR
From 14/09/2024 to 26/01/2025
It is within the scope of the Vincentian Year (2023/2024), in celebration of the 850 years of the arrival of this great treasure to the city, that this project arises. It is a collective exhibition of painting, entitled “Ubi amor ibi dolor” which means, “where there is love there is pain”. And this was the motto that guided the life of the holy martyr who gave the name to this Monastery.
Honoring his life and his testimony of faith, we find an exhibition by a group of artists and friends who have in common the love for art. It is composed of works of different techniques, styles and formats, made specifically for this exhibition project. These transport us to the Vincentian world of martyrdom, resilience and glory in the love of God.
Saint Vincent and the Heroes of Faith
From 25/05/2024 to 31/08/2024
In the context of the celebrations of the 850 years since the arrival of the relics of Saint Vincent to Lisbon, the Catechesis Section of the Patriarchate of Lisbon has proposed a catechesis itinerary with adolescents, with the theme «Saint Vincent and the heroes of faith».
Based on the book «São Vicente em Lisboa», by Maria Teresa Maia Gonzalez, the adolescents discovered the relationship between Saint Vincent and his daily life and identified people who are witnesses of the Christian faith through their words and actions.
Groups could choose to participate in the exhibition «Saint Vincent and the Heroes of the Faith», by building boats with 30cm length, using recycled materials.
"Looks crossed,
words sensed"
From 17/09/2020 to 17/01/2021
João Alvim focused on the discreet figures of the 3rd plan of “Saint Vincent Panels” by Nuno Gonçalves and painted their faces individually, discovering and revealing unexpected expressions and looks.
It raises questions like… What did the painter Nuno Gonçalves wanted to show us? The hidden picture of a complex society, a country in debt, with strong social tensions and divergent interests? What does the alienation of the characters and their looks mean?