Popopô Gallery Opens as First Art Space on Combu Island in Brazilian Amazon

The Popopô Gallery, designed by Guá Arquitetura, has been established on Combu Island in Brazil. Located approximately 15 minutes by boat from Belém within the island's Environmental Protection Area, the 52-square-meter structure was completed in 2025. The project was led by architects Luís Guedes and Pablo do Vale, with curation by Susanna Moreira. Photography was handled by Manuel Sá, while construction was overseen by Mestre Isac Monteiro. The gallery's design draws inspiration from the local riverine environment, transforming the experience of river travel into architectural form. Rather than functioning solely as an exhibition venue, it represents a symbolic landmark as the first dedicated art gallery on the island. The space aims to connect artistic production with the social and emotional aspects of riverside life, embedding itself within the daily rhythms and memories of the community. Key team members included coordinator Andressa Macedo, project team member Almir Quaresma, technical team member Cleverson Velasco, and craftsman Mestre Luís Júnior. Lighting engineering and consultation were provided by Guá Arquitetura. Suppliers involved in the project included Artluz, La mapa, Maxcolor, Stella Iluminação, and Vedac. The gallery is categorized as a cultural architecture and exhibition center project.