In the gardens of the Palacete do Visconde de Vilar d'Allen, designed by architect José Marques da Silva in 1927 and facing Rua Rúben A, is the Casa das Artes, designed by Eduardo Souto de Moura and completed in 1991. This cultural centre consists of an exhibition hall flanked by two concert and conference rooms and, on the ground floor, a service area. The project stands out for its discretion, simplicity and integration into the surrounding space.

The Casa das Artes and Casa Allen have had their own programme, in the area of cinema - with the partnership established with the Porto Film Club - and through careful curation, in a welcoming philosophy that seeks out new talents in the visual arts and performing arts and various artistic and cultural activities, such as book presentations or workshops.