Located in the main square of Belem, the Belém Cultural Center (also referred to as CCB) was built at the start of 1988 for the purposes of welcoming the 1992 Portuguese presidency of the European Union. Originally controversial for its striking modern architecture next to the historical Jeronimos Monastery, the CCB was designed by architects Vittorio Gregotti (Italy) and Manuel Salgado (Portugal).

It has since become a cultural hub hosting numerous international exhibitions (from photography to mixed-media installations), cultural events and congresses. It is also an arts complex with the city's largest auditorium.

For years it was also home to the Design Museum, but that space is now occupied by the Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.