Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
Bordalo II Extends Banner in the Center of the Portuguese Capital to Denounce Abusive Prices and Exclusion of the Local Population
The artistic installation by Bordalo II, one of the most provocative names in contemporary Portuguese art, transformed the center of Lisbon into a stage for protest. With a large banner announcing “Lisbon For Sale”, the artist harshly criticized the real estate speculation that has pushed historical residents out of the capital.
The intervention was installed at Cais das Colunas, in Praça do Comércio, and lasted only a short time before being removed by the city hall. The ironic action — publicized by the newspaper O Globo — described the city as a “dream opportunity in a place where most can’t even dream of living,” exposing the inequality caused by gentrification.
Who Is the Artist Who “Sold” Lisbon?
Bordalo II is internationally known for works that combine social and environmental critique with recycled materials and performative actions. In this intervention, the target was the housing crisis in Lisbon, which reached dramatic levels after years of mass tourism, foreign investments, and urban policies that favored speculators.
-
Larger than entire cities in Brazil: BYD is building a 4.6 km² complex in Bahia with a capacity for 600,000 vehicles per year, but the discovery of 163 workers in conditions analogous to slavery has shaken the entire project.
-
With an investment of R$ 612 million, a capacity to process 1.2 million liters of milk per day, Piracanjuba inaugurates a mega cheese factory that increases national production, reduces dependence on imports, and repositions Brazil on the global dairy map.
-
Brazilian city gains industrial hub for 85 companies that is equivalent to 55 football fields.
-
Peugeot and Citroën factory in Argentina cuts production by half and opens a layoff program for more than 2,000 employees after Brazil drastically reduced purchases of Argentine vehicles.
The banner simulated a real estate advertisement with phrases like:
“City with vintage charm, excellent sunlight exposure all year round, and recently remodeled with luxury details… Located in a premium area… Ideal for those who want to enjoy a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and gentrified environment.”
Why Is Lisbon Becoming Unreachable?
Since the economic crisis of 2011, which led Portugal to seek international financial aid, the real estate market in Lisbon has undergone a rapid transformation. The Lusitanian capital has become a destination for large investment funds, foreign retirees, and digital nomads — inflating rental and sale prices.
Lisbon has already ranked among the most expensive cities for rent in Europe, while the average income of the Portuguese remains stagnant. The historic center, where the protest occurred, has lost part of its identity: long-time residents have left, traditional shops have closed and made way for souvenir franchises catering to tourists.
Where Was the Intervention Made?
The protest took place at Cais das Colunas, a tourist spot along the banks of the Tagus River. The location was not a coincidence: Praça do Comércio symbolizes Portugal’s imperial past, but also the new urban reality — where access to housing has become a privilege.
The banner was removed by city hall staff a few hours later, but it had already gained significant attention on social media and in the Portuguese and Brazilian media.
Is It Worth Investing or Living in Lisbon Today?
The answer depends on the perspective. For foreign investors, Lisbon is still considered attractive: sun, safety, and tax incentives continue to draw attention. For the local population, however, the cost of living has become an obstacle. The housing crisis has already forced thousands to migrate to the outskirts, away from the center.
Bordalo II’s protest exposes a dilemma faced in many capitals: how to balance urban development, tourism, and the right to housing? The artistic provocation reignites the debate about who cities are being built for — and who is being expelled from them.
Do you think Bordalo II is right to sell Lisbon as a form of protest? Have you felt the impact of real estate speculation? Share your opinion in the comments — we want to know how this crisis affects the real lives of those who live or dream of living in the city.
-
-
4 pessoas reagiram a isso.