Lisbon’s Street Artist with a Message
Walking through Lisbon, it’s impossible not to notice the large animal sculptures that seem to emerge from walls, corners, and forgotten spaces. These striking works are created by Artur Bordalo (Lisbon, 1987) a.k.a. Bordalo II, one of Portugal’s most internationally recognized street artists, together with Vhils and Oze Arv. In particular, Bordalo II is known for transforming discarded materials into powerful urban art.
A name that honors a family legacy
Many visitors are surprised to learn that Bordalo II’s artistic identity is deeply rooted in Portuguese art history. He is the grandson of Real Bordalo, a well-known painter, and his chosen name, Bordalo II, is a clear tribute to his grandfather. By adopting this name, the artist acknowledges both his family heritage and the continuation of an artistic lineage — while expressing it through a completely contemporary and urban language.
Art made from waste, with a clear message
Bordalo II’s work is instantly recognizable. Using trash collected from the streets — plastics, scrap metal, old tires, and other discarded materials — he creates large-scale animal figures that are both visually impressive and environmentally thought-provoking. These animals act as silent reminders of overconsumption, waste, and humanity’s impact on nature.
The panda of Bordalo II was made in the context of the exhibition “Evilution”. No, it’s not a spelling mistake, it’s a neologism that expresses the author’s ongoing commitment to the environment and sustainability.
The famous panda is located in Alfama and can be seen on my Lisbon Street Art Walking Tour, and it is also part of my Historical Lisbon Tuk Tuk Tour as well as the Half-Day Tuk Tuk Tour. These works of Street Art allow us to talk not only about the artwork itself, but also about how contemporary street art fits into Lisbon’s broader story.
In Lisbon, his pieces are integrated into the city itself, often appearing in unexpected places. They don’t belong to galleries; they belong to the streets, where everyone can encounter them.
Pelicans and pandas on my tours
Some of Bordalo II’s most iconic works are part of the routes I personally guide. The pelican sculptures are included in my Historical Lisbon Walking Tour, where street art appears naturally alongside history, architecture, and everyday city life.
The pelican is the corporate image of the Bank on whose wall it is located and which commissioned the work.
A personal way to discover Lisbon
All tours are conducted by me, and all contact is made directly with me — no intermediaries. This personal approach allows the experience to be adapted to each group, creating space for conversation, questions, and a deeper connection with the city.
Seeing Bordalo II’s work in person, within its urban context, adds another layer to understanding Lisbon: a city where history and contemporary expression coexist naturally, often on the very same street.
If you enjoy discovering Lisbon at a human pace, with stories shared along the way, Bordalo II’s street art is an unforgettable part of that journey.