The Portuguese Center of Photography in Porto was founded in 1997 under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture of Portugal, and since then it has been located in a historical building which dates back to the 18th century (a building the construction works of which were initiated in 1767). We speak of the former Court of Appeal of Porto which, given its new modern mission, was altered and adapted in order to suit the necessities of the museum, under the supervision of Eduardo Souto de Moura and Humberto Vieira. Traces of its former functionality are still visible today (it used to serve as court and jail alike).
The mission of the center is to popularize and to enable the development of the photographic art in Portugal. It is home to more than 60 collections, of which noteworthy are the National Collection of Photography and the Municipal Collection. Works of the most reputed national photographers are showcased here, but the public can also admire the works of sundry international artists who, through their activity, have influenced the development of photography in Portugal.