Restaurants, bars and museums in Porto · Page 125

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Interactive museum Neonia is located at Rua de Ceuta 116, 4050-190 Porto, Portugal, and opened its doors on 20 April 2024. The space comprises 1,500 square meters and has twenty themed sections. The founders of Neonia describe their concept as an alternate reality version of Porto and present it in a retro-futurist and cyberpunk format. The theme of each section of Neonia is a branch of Porto’s culture. Some examples are Cafe Imperial, the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, Arraial de São João, Bolhão Market, Skyline do Porto, and Rio Douro. Each section is designed to represent the real and the surreal. The designers of Neonia say that by going on this alternative reality tour of Porto, patrons will become residents of an alternative city. Each visitor is encouraged to interact with the various elements of Neonia. It is recommended that patrons of Neonia schedule their visit in advance. Stories of the past are showcased throughout and images are used to tell them. In 1917 two acrobats climbed the Torre dos Clérigos to put on a promotional stunt for a biscuit brand. A miniature version of that tower is in one of the museum's rooms. Other rooms commemorate defunct cinemas like the AguiA d' Ouro. The bookshop is included, as well as a mention of Agencia Abreu. Other forms of expression, such as setting design and projections as well as the integration of light and sound in art installations, are noted. The authors of the project have a science and engineering background. Barros noted Immersive museums in the USA as the sources of inspiration. The project got a 7 million Euro investment and support from Portugal's tourism board. Neonia stated they commission entertainment and artistic projects for all audiences. The phone number is (+351) 223 269 500. The museum website is neonia.com. After the opening discount, the article noted tickets cost 25 euros for adults, and 19 euros for children and seniors.