Bárbara Coutinho, is the woman behind MUDE - Museu do Design e da Moda (Design and Fashion Museum).
In the Summer of 2016, MUDE and Barbara contributed for a new and monumental art work in Lisbon: The mural by André Saraiva.
Among her extensive curriculum in Arts, design and as curator, Bárbara is Master in History of Contemporary Art, and professor of Theory, Critic and History of Architecture at Instituto Superior Técnico. Bárbara also contributes to the art and design magazines Umbigo and arq./a; Above all lisbonner, and so we wanted to have her guide to Lisbon to get to know her better.
Secret location and Best view?
Cais do Ginjal, where the restaurants Atira-te ao rio and Ponto Final are.
A guilty pleasure?
Have a book to read and have the laziness to don't do it.
Where can we find you on Sunday?
Together with my husband making different programs with our little daughter.
A trend for Lisbon’s future?
A kind of new Berlin mixed with Buenos Aires spirit.
Coolest place to have a drink?
The historical Nicola, Brasileira and Martinho da Arcada. There, we can feel the Portuguese poetry and culture in beautiful interiors.
Something you cannot resist?
Gambrinus restaurant, a historical landmark, beautiful place with very good food and nice waiters; Ramiro, brewery seafood restaurant and Galeto, a beautiful snack-bar with the original interior for a late drink or food.
What can you do here & nowhere else?
Taste a traditional grilled fish or seafood; get lost in typical neighbourhoods; appreciate the light, river and Lisbon history in each corner.
What's your favourite beach?
Still Costa de Caparica (the best in the world), near Fonte da Telha (the only problem is the mad traffic).
A favourite daytrip from Lisbon. And why?
Mafra, to visit the Royal Convent (church, library and convent). And after, eat Mafra's conventual pastry (Fradinhos).
If you had some foreigner friends coming to stay in Lisbon, where would you recommend they go shopping?
Principe Real for fashion, objects and other nice things for house; Martim Moniz, for world food; Rua S. Bento, for antiquities and decorative arts; Avenida da Liberdade, for world international brand
Lisbon's coolest neighbourhood? Why?
Each neighbourhood have its own interest. Maybe, because it is still almost unknown, I highlight Bairro das Colónias and Beato. Places through which the future will pass.
Where can we find you having dinner on Thursday night?
Sorry, you can’t!. I’m in my place.
Someone NOT to be stuck in an elevator with?
I'd rather not be stuck in the elevator, alone or with anyone.
Tell us a little bit about your plans for next year for MUDE. What can we expect?
Ending the refurbishing works of MUDE's building in Rua Augusta is the most important plan. Meanwhile, develop a temporary exhibitions' program about ibero-american design and material culture.
Where do you find inspiration?
In Life.
Do you have any other favourite museum in town? Why?
Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National fine Art Museum) to see the master piece S. Vicente Panels, among others.
What do you think about all the buzz around Lisbon as a destination worldwide? Do you think it is a good thing for the city?
As everything we will win and loose different things. It's very important to maintain our authenticity and culture and strike a balance between tourism and locals. Maintain the centre alive with real people, avoiding gentrification.
If you had to highlight a recent project which would it be?
The competition to new esplanades downtown and Lisbon's historical neighbourhoods. A collaboration promoted between the neighbourhood Santa Maria Maior's city council and MUDE.
Why this particular one?
It is essential to re-qualify Lisbon's downtown public space and realm.
Any dream project?
Travel around the world during one year.