Night of the Archives

As the city settles into twilight, the doors of the National Archives of Portugal open for one unforgettable evening — a celebration of memory, mystery, and the enduring power of recorded history.

Night of the Archives transforms a traditional archive into a living experience. For one night only, visitors are invited to step behind the velvet ropes, explore rare collections, and witness the hidden beauty of the world’s most fragile documents.

Guided tours, art installations, live readings, and immersive soundscapes bring centuries-old stories to life — from letters written in candlelight to digital echoes of the modern era. It’s a night where the past whispers, and every record breathes.

• 18:30 Doors Open & Welcome Drinks
• 19:00 Opening Address by Dr. Helena Kovács
• 19:30 Guided Archive Tours Begin
• 20:30 Interactive Workshop — The Art of the Archiv
• 21:30 Living Exhibit Performances
• 23:00 Sound Installation & Projection Mapping
• 00:00 Midnight Reading: Letters That Shaped History
• 00:45 Closing Reflections & Farewell