Centro Ciência Viva da Floresta

About the museum

The Centro Ciência Viva da Floresta arose from a challenge issued by Ciência Viva – Agência Nacional para a Cultura Científica e Tecnológica (the national agency for scientific and technological culture) to the municipality of Proença-a-Nova: to create an association to set up and run a centre dedicated to the forest, a theme chosen because of the municipality's high forest density. The Instituto Pedro Nunes was invited to support the creation of the space and its content. The centre opened to the public on 21 July 2007 and is part of the national network of Centros Ciência Viva.

The main building has two floors and about 1,700 m², with a reception, a permanent exhibition, a 76-seat auditorium, a media library, a laboratory, a wine analysis laboratory and a space for temporary exhibitions. Outside there is the Casa da Floresta, built of wood and powered by a hybrid photovoltaic-wind system, the Plantário (plant nursery), the mini-nursery and outdoor areas with a forest area and two ponds.

The permanent exhibition is an interactive space for all ages, which seeks to make known the science present in the forest and to raise awareness of its richness, diversity and fragility. The centre also runs workshops, field trips, lectures and school programmes.

Highlights

• Interactive permanent exhibition on the forest, for all ages
• Virtual reality simulator for fighting forest fires
• Modules on dendrochronology, microscope, wood and the carbon cycle
• Wooden Casa da Floresta, Plantário and outdoor areas with ponds
• Workshops, field trips and birthday parties
• Presentations in Portuguese Sign Language in several modules

Permanent exhibition

• Exposição permanente do Centro Ciência Viva da Floresta – Interactive space with modules on the forest floor, birds, dendrochronology, water, wood, the carbon cycle and forest fires, including a virtual reality firefighting simulator.

Founded

2007

Operated by

Associação Centro Ciência Viva de Proença-a-Nova

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 16 May (National Scientist Day), 24 November (National Day of Scientific Culture) and 21 July (the centre's anniversary).

Without a booking it is possible to visit, but access depends on the capacity available at the time. Advance booking is made through the centre's website.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Several modules of the permanent exhibition have presentations in Portuguese Sign Language.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

The exhibition is interactive and aimed at all ages. The centre organises workshops, field trips, birthday parties and the activity “Ciência sem Idade” (Science Without Age).

Getting there & parking

Address for navigation: Estrada Nacional 241, no. 97, Moitas, Proença-a-Nova. There is a charging point for electric vehicles.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Café “BioAromas – Cafetaria officinalis”. Charging point for electric vehicles.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The centre hires out spaces; the building has an auditorium with 76 seats.

Plan your visit