The city of Porto has just gained another attraction. Located on Rua de Ceuta, and open since the end of April, Neonia is a museum interactive that promises to leave no one indifferent. Inside, you’ll have the chance to discover an alternative port, sailing between the past and the future.
With a total area of 1500 m2 and 18 rooms full of interactive experiences, Neonia offers a retro-futuristic atmosphere and a cyberpunkfilter. To achieve this, the space is equipped with art installations, projections, sound systems and neon-colored lighting. It is a immersive journey whose narrative is totally adapted to the city of Invicta.
Table Of Contents
Neonia Porto: what will you find?
Before explaining how this distinctive concept was born in Porto (and in Portugal), we want to share with you a brief glimpse of our visit to Neonia. Even before entering the interactive space, we couldn’t resist taking a few photos of the outdoor art installation, which is accessible to everyone.
Right away, we realized that this was no ordinary place. However, it was only an ‘appetizer’. Inside, Aquiles Barros, one of the founders, made a point of accompanying us on a fun and interactive guided tour.
From the outset, it’s clear that an alternative Porto lives there. The journey takes us to some of the city’s most emblematic places, such as the Clérigos Tower, o Bolhão Market and even a immersive representation of the st. John’s night.
Among the ‘disappearing Porto’ & glimpses of the future
Housed in a former bank, the journey at Neonia is divided between two floors; on each of them, there is always an attraction to admire and/or experience. Along the way, you’ll glimpse the former Crystal Palace and the disappeared Café Imperial, where it is now located one of the most beautiful McDonald’s of the world.
In an attractive environment for kids and adults, it is also possible to (re)visit the Battle of the Siege (17th century). XIX), or even learn new curiosities. For example, did you know that in 1917, two Spanish acrobats climbed the Clérigos Tower, without any protection, to promote a brand of cookies?
Neonia: the origin of the concept
In this alternative museum, there is an unlikely mix of science, art, technology and history. All this represents the culmination of a 30-year dream by Vera Mata, who has a PhD in Chemical Engineering and is one of the project’s founders.
The idea came from my friend Vera Mata, who had long dreamed of creating an interactive museum. I said that I would help with the financing, but that the space would have to be located in the center of Porto; and so it was,” Aquiles Barros (former CEO of Castelbel) told Porto Secreto.
The project also has another partner, Marta Araújo, who has a PhD in Quantum Chemistry. In this context, it is a pioneering and 100% Portuguese initiative, adapted to the city of Porto, where many stories of Invicta are revealed.
Other information
By the end of May, Aquiles Barros expects all the art installations to be fully operational, including QR Codes to help explain the essence of each moment.
In the meantime, you can take advantage of the promotional prices: 15€ for adults and 10€ for children and seniors. After that, the prices will rise to €25 and €19 respectively. A different place for all age groups!
Where: Rua de Ceuta, 116
Opening hours: every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m