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Center for Handicraft and Design

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Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)

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The National Center for Handicrafts and Design (CNAD) in Mindelo is a modern cultural institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich artisanal traditions of Cape Verde. The center is housed in a brilliantly renovated complex that blends historic structures with contemporary architecture. Its most striking feature is the new facade, covered with hundreds of colorful metal disks that evoke the oil drums commonly seen in the harbor of Mindelo. CNAD serves as a museum, research hub, and exhibition space for local crafts, weaving, and modern design. It plays a crucial role in supporting local artists and training young designers in traditional techniques, such as the famous 'Panu di Terra' weaving. The center is a bustling hub of creativity and for anyone wishing to understand the aesthetic and material culture of the islands. Through its work, the intangible heritage of Cape Verde is secured and reimagined for future generations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar–May.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212121222223242626262423
Rain mm413719147792846273750

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The cultural centre is open to the public and showcases Cape Verdean handicraft. Most areas are indoors.
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Typical hours
Cultural centres typically open in the morning and close in the late afternoon, with a lunch break. Check ahead for exact hours.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed in the exhibition rooms, but avoid flash. Special exhibitions may prohibit photography.
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Time needed
Allow about an hour to view the exhibitions. Art enthusiasts may spend longer.
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Combine with
The centre is in Mindelo, near the port and lively downtown. Combine your visit with a walk along the waterfront promenade.
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Getting there
The centre is easily reachable on foot from Mindelo city centre. Alternatively, take a taxi or minibus.
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Insider tip
Visit the attached shop to buy authentic Cape Verdean souvenirs. Ask about local artists - they are often on site demonstrating their work.

Geography

Coordinates
16.88530, -24.98810

Facts

  • The new center complex was inaugurated in the year 2022.
  • The facade consists of 2,500 colorful, hand-painted barrel lids.
  • It originated from a movement in the 1970s to save local crafts.
  • The center is famous for its collection of traditional tapestries.
  • It is located in the Chã de Alecrim area of Mindelo.
  • The project was designed by the architect Eloisa Ramos.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Church of Our Lady of Light (Mindelo)Church of Our Lady of Light (Mindelo)<1 km · EExplore →
Frescomar Fish Canning FactoryFrescomar Fish Canning Factory2 km · SExplore →
Enacol Fuel TerminalEnacol Fuel Terminal2 km · EExplore →
Lazareto Industrial ZoneLazareto Industrial Zone3 km · SExplore →
Monte CaraMonte Cara5 km · SExplore →
Selada do Flamengo Wind FarmSelada do Flamengo Wind Farm5 km · NWExplore →
Monte VerdeMonte Verde7 km · NExplore →
SalamansaSalamansa7 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

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Sights in the town Center for Handicraft and Design (10)

Baltasar Lopes da Silva

Monument to Cape Verdean writer Baltasar Lopes da Silva in Mindelo.

Alcides

Alcides, an attraction in Mindelo, possibly a statue or a place.

Núcleo Museológico Cesária Évora🏛 museum

Museum section in Mindelo dedicated to the life and work of Cesária Évora.

Fresques

Fresques, an attraction in Mindelo, possibly murals.

Águia

Eagle sculpture or attraction in Mindelo, a local landmark.

Franci Corgala

Monument to Franci Corgala in Mindelo, a local personality.

Alfândega Velha - Centro Cultural do Mindelo

Cultural centre in the old customs house of Mindelo, with exhibitions and events.

Zero Point Art Gallery

Contemporary art gallery in Mindelo featuring works by Cape Verdean artists.

Luís Morais

Monument to Luís Morais in Mindelo, a local personality.

Praça Nova (Praça Amilcar Cabral)🌳 park

Square in Mindelo named after Amílcar Cabral, a central meeting point.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the CNAD show?
It showcases Cape Verdean crafts, weaving, and modern local design.
Where is the center located in Mindelo?
It is located in the Praça Nova area, in a striking modern building.
Is there a souvenir shop?
Yes, high-quality, handmade products can be purchased directly there.
What are the opening hours?
Usually from Tuesday to Saturday, approx. 10:00 to 18:00. Closed on Mondays.
Is there an entry fee?
A small fee is often charged for the exhibitions.
Center for Handicraft and Design: where is it located?
Center for Handicraft and Design is located in Cape Verde.
Center for Handicraft and Design: what is there to see?
Highlights include Baltasar Lopes da Silva, Alcides, Núcleo Museológico Cesária Évora.
Center for Handicraft and Design: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, May.
Center for Handicraft and Design: why is it worth visiting?
The National Center for Handicrafts and Design (CNAD) in Mindelo is a modern cultural institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich artisanal traditions of Cape Verde.
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Nearby cities

Mindelo — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Mindelo
Mindelo is a port city on São Vicente and the cultural heart of Cape Verde.
Salamansa — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Salamansa
Salamansa is a traditional fishing village in the north of São Vicente island.
Baia das Gatas — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Baia das Gatas
Baia das Gatas is famous for its natural lagoon and the annual music festival.
São Pedro — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
São Pedro
São Pedro is a coastal village on São Vicente, located right next to the international airport.

History & landmarks

Cultural Center of Mindelo — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Cultural Center of Mindelo
A venue for exhibitions and performances in the heart of the cultural capital.
Church of Our Lady of Light (Mindelo) — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Church of Our Lady of Light (Mindelo)
The main church of Mindelo, a simple but elegant religious landmark.
Municipal Market of Mindelo — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Municipal Market of Mindelo
A lively market in the heart of Mindelo, famous for fresh fish and local produce.
Gil Eanes High School (Mindelo) — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Gil Eanes High School (Mindelo)
A historic school building in Mindelo that played a significant role in the country's education.
São Vicente City Hall — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
São Vicente City Hall
The administrative center of São Vicente Island, located in the center of Mindelo.
Governor&#39;s Palace of Mindelo — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Governor's Palace of Mindelo
A magnificent colonial-style building that once served as the residence of the Portuguese governors.
Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Monument to the Martyrs of Pindjiguiti
A monument in Mindelo commemorating the victims of the massacre at the port of Bissau.
Adérito Sena Stadium — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Adérito Sena Stadium
The main football stadium on São Vicente Island, home to local clubs.

More places

Historic Center of Mindelo — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Historic Center of Mindelo
The heart of Mindelo with colorful buildings and a cosmopolitan flair from the colonial era.
Mindelo Zoo — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Mindelo Zoo
A small zoo in Mindelo, home to local and exotic animals.
Belém Tower (Mindelo) — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Belém Tower (Mindelo)
A smaller replica of the famous Belém Tower in Lisbon, standing right on the waterfront.
Porto Grande (Mindelo) — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Porto Grande (Mindelo)
Porto Grande is Mindelo's deep-water harbor and the main port on Sao Vicente.
Mindelo Kids Leisure Center — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Mindelo Kids Leisure Center
A modern center for play, sports, and creativity for children in the cultural capital.
Fortim d&#39;El Rei — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Fortim d'El Rei
Fortim d'El Rei is a small fort in Mindelo on Sao Vicente.
Cabnave Shipyard — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Cabnave Shipyard
The largest shipyard in Cape Verde, located in Mindelo, providing repair services for Mid-Atlantic shipping.
Frescomar Fish Canning Factory — Center for Handicraft and Design (Cape Verde)
Frescomar Fish Canning Factory
A large factory in Mindelo that processes fish from Cape Verdean waters for the global market.