The BCC, designed by Italian architects Gregotti and Risco, won an international competition in 1988 and features a modernist style that blends in with the monuments of Bel\u00e9m. Initially built to host the Portuguese presidency of the European Union in 1992, it quickly became one of the country’s main cultural hubs. Its main auditorium, with a capacity for around 1,500 people, welcomes internationally renowned artists and companies. On the upper terrace is the Olive Garden, a little-known green space overlooking the river. <\/p>\n\n
Since its opening in 1993, the BCC has played a key role in promoting culture and the arts in Portugal, certainly due to its diverse programming<\/a> that covers music, dance, theatre, cinema, visual arts and much more.<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n Three of the five modules initially planned are built in the BCC: <\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n First of all, there is the Congress and Meeting Centre<\/strong>. It has sophisticated, high-quality equipment and welcomes congresses and meetings of any nature and size. In addition, the space also includes general operating services, several stores, a restaurant, two bars and two garages open to users. <\/p>\n\n The Performance Centre<\/strong> consists of three rooms (the large auditorium, the small auditorium and the rehearsal room) equipped to accommodate various types of performances, from cinema to opera, from ballet to theatre, among others.<\/p>\n\n Finally, the Exhibition Centre<\/strong> is divided into exhibition areas distributed across four galleries showcasing exhibitions on visual arts, architecture, design and photography. This module also features several stores, a cafeteria and a space for the treatment and storage of art pieces. Between 2007 and 2022, it housed the Berardo Museum. <\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n 1. Check the updated programme<\/strong>: Before your visit, check the BCC’s programme to see what exhibitions and events are scheduled.<\/p>\n\n 2. Book in advance<\/strong>: Some exhibitions and events at the BCC may require advance booking. Make sure to book ahead to guarantee your entry. <\/p>\n\n 3. Explore the surroundings<\/strong>: In addition to the BCC itself, the Bel\u00e9m area offers a variety of tourist monuments, such as the Bel\u00e9m Tower<\/a>, the Jer\u00f3nimos Monastery<\/a> and the Monument to the Discoveries<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n![\"Bel\u00e9m](\"https:\/\/wpml.lisbonsightsailing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/lisbon-sight-sailing-ccb-01-1024x768.jpeg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\nThere are spaces for everything<\/h2><\/div>\n\n
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![\"Lisbon](\"https:\/\/wpml.lisbonsightsailing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/lisbon-sight-sailing-ccb-02.jpg\")
![\"The](\"https:\/\/wpml.lisbonsightsailing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/lisbon-sight-sailing-ccb-03-1024x684.jpeg\")
![\"Berardo](\"https:\/\/wpml.lisbonsightsailing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/lisbon-sight-sailing-ccb-04-1024x682.jpg\")
Tips for visiting the BCC <\/h2><\/div>\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/wpml.lisbonsightsailing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/lisbon-sight-sailing-ccb-05-1024x529.jpg\")
![\"Traditional](\"https:\/\/wpml.lisbonsightsailing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/lisbon-sight-sailing-ccb-06-1024x683.jpeg\")