The age has long gone when ladies once showed off their latest gowns at the salons, especially in spring, and the orchestra played in the little gallery facing the hall while the public crowded in to catch a glimpse of the works by the masters Malhoa, Carlos Reis, Veloso Salgado and others.

Times have changed, but the Sociedade Nacional de Belas-Artes, founded in 1901 maintained the principles of these artistic associations by bringing their interests more up-to-date.
The Sociedade always championed the professional and social interests of its members through democratic means and realised a dream that it inherited from the Sociedade Promotora das Belas-Artes: the building of its own home, where large exhibitions could be held and social ties established.
Since 1913, the Sociedade, based at no. 36, rua Barata Salgueiro, has been usufructuary of the beautiful building designed by the architect Álvaro Machado. Elongated in shape, with an extensively fenestrated main facade and grandiose exhibition hall, unique at the time in Lisbon, it became known as the Palácio da Barata Salgueiro. The state paid for its construction and in return the Sociedade agreed to collaborate with the government and to provide it with one work of art every year.
The institution, whose chairmen have been prestigious artists and architects, is involved in divulging the arts, holding annual exhibitions, promoting new talent and organising countless joint and solo contemporary art exhibitions, including architectural and design shows.
Initially, art was taught by the masters in free classes. These were later replaced by a preparatory course for enrolment at the fine art schools. In 1965, an Art Training Course was introduced which is currently an evening course with a practical component on painting and drawing techniques and another theory component on art history.
The Sociedade was the stage for events that both marked the history of art and its own history: the conflict between classical and modern artists (1921), the closing of the building (1952), the meetings of the Movimento de Artistas Plásticos (1974), and the Exposição Comemorativa do Centenário (2001). It was here that some of the central works of contemporary art were shown. The value of the Sociedade's work with other similar entities at the national and international levels is incalculable, as well as its cooperation with associations, institutions, art schools, local councils, museums, foundations, and galleries. It is also a consultant at various levels on questions of art education, heritage and other art related issues.
In an attempt to stay abreast of the times, the Sociedade provides an up-to-date programme of public exhibitions, seminars, conferences, courses and other cultural events. It is an ideal place to experience art and is simultaneously open to all those who want to realise their dream of perfecting their drawing and brush skills, or are simply looking to deepen their understanding, finding as they will here a place of learning and social interaction with art and artists.

Text: Cristina Azevedo Tavares