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Every two years, Manifesta moves to a different European Host City or Region, engaging with local cultural, urban and environmental contexts while working collaboratively with citizens and communities to reimagine how we live, work and envision our shared future in Europe.

Announced today by Portugal’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports of Portugal Margarida Balseiro Lopes, Manifesta 17 Coimbra will be an edition initiated by the City of Coimbra, the University of Coimbra, the Portuguese Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Tourism.

“This decision is of great significance, as it recognises the value of a transformative dialogue between art and society, bringing to the city, the region and the country a major cultural event with proven economic return and strong tourism potential. Bringing Manifesta to Coimbra is a strategic opportunity that reflects the Government’s commitment to culture in its various dimensions and across the entire territory. Particularly noteworthy in this biennial, beyond its international visibility, is its capacity for urban regeneration with lasting impact and the mobilisation and training of national teams.” – Margarida Balseiro Lopes, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports

Manifesta was invited to Coimbra by Anozero – Biennial of Contemporary Art, organised by CAPC, the Municipality of Coimbra and the University of Coimbra – to co-create a collaborative edition. Manifesta 17 is being initiated by leading local stakeholders including the City of Coimbra and Mayor José Manuel Silva, the University of Coimbra and its Dean, Professor Amílcar Falcão, and the Director of Anozero, Carlos Antunes, who was the initiator of the bid and the collaboration with Manifesta.

“It is with great enthusiasm and a strong sense of responsibility that Coimbra fulfils a dream and welcomes Manifesta 17 in 2028. This will be a truly transformative moment for the city and the region, allowing Coimbra to establish itself as a centre for contemporary creation, critical thinking and European dialogue. Manifesta, which will have Rua da Sofia as one of its key focal points, strengthens our commitment to culture, citizen participation, sustainable development and openness to the world, the result of continuous and dedicated work carried out by the Municipality over recent years.” José Manuel Silva, Mayor of Coimbra

Coimbra, home to the 13th century University of Coimbra – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is widely recognised for its academic legacy, rich medieval history and exceptional architectural heritage. Alongside its distinguished scholarly reputation, Coimbra has long held a prominent role in the arts. Most notably, the Círculo de Artes Plásticas de Coimbra (CAPC), the oldest Portuguese institution dedicated to the promotion of contemporary art, has been central to the city’s cultural life.

“Manifesta is entering a new phase of cross-cultural collaboration within the European arts and architecture landscape by partnering with the Coimbra-based biennial Anozero. This remarkable initiative, led by Carlos Antunes and Désirée Pedro, reflects a shared commitment to working together across institutions and contexts. We wholeheartedly welcome their vision and believe that such collaborative practices between institutions, communities, collectives, and artists are not only essential but may well represent the future of the art world.”
Hedwig Fijen, Director of Manifesta

Manifesta 17 marks a historic milestone as the first edition of the biennial to take place in Portugal. A formal ceremony will be held in Coimbra in September 2025 to celebrate the signing of the official agreement with all key partners.