As part of the celebrations marking the centenary of Mário Soares' birth, the Serralves Foundation is hosting the presentation session of the book The Salt of Democracy: Mário Soares and Culture. This publication, which accompanies the exhibition of the same name, delves into the statesman’s relationship with art, literature, and cultural thought. The presentation event, taking place at the Serralves Villa, will feature a conversation between José Manuel dos Santos, Pedro Marques Gomes, João Pinharanda, Isabel Soares, and João Barroso Soares, offering a moment of reflection on the legacy of one of the most significant figures in Portugal’s political and cultural history.

The Salt of Democracy: Mário Soares and Culture brings together a collection of images from Mário Soares’ art collection, rare documents, first editions, and manuscripts, alongside contributions from Álvaro Siza, Lídia Jorge, Guilherme d’Oliveira Martins, Viriato Soromenho-Marques, João Pinharanda, Manuel Alegre, Isabel Soares, and João Barroso Soares. Organized by the exhibition’s curators, José Manuel dos Santos and Pedro Marques Gomes, this book highlights culture as a central axis of Mário Soares' thought and action, emphasizing his belief that democracy is strengthened through creativity and knowledge.