Centro Ciência Viva de Constância
Astronomy science centre in Constância, with an outdoor park, a planetarium and observations of the Sun and the night sky.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Centro Ciência Viva de Constância – Parque de Astronomia opened on 19 March 2004 and is part of the national network of Ciência Viva centres. It is located at Alto de Santa Bárbara, above the town of Constância, and is dedicated to popularising astronomy.
The centre has an outdoor park with interactive modules, such as the Celestial Sphere, the Saturn, Jupiter and Sun–Earth–Moon carousels and the analemmatic sundial. These can be explored on a visit led by a science mediator. The site also has a planetarium, observatories and a hangar with the exhibition “A Física do Voo” (The Physics of Flight), whose centrepiece is a Lockheed T-33 jet aircraft loaned by the Portuguese Air Force.
The programme includes planetarium sessions, daytime observations of the Sun and night-time observations of the sky with telescopes, as well as activities for schools, birthday parties (“astroaniversários”) and the Geração Espaço festival, held in October.
Highlights
- Outdoor Astronomy Park with interactive modules
- Planetarium sessions
- Observations of the Sun and the night sky with telescopes
- “A Física do Voo” exhibition with a T-33 jet
- Astro-birthday parties and activities for schools
Permanent exhibitions
- Parque de Astronomia – Outdoor interactive modules on the galaxy, the Solar System, the Saturn and Jupiter carousels, the analemmatic sundial and the celestial sphere.
- A Física do Voo – Avião a Jato T33 – Exhibition with a Lockheed T-33 jet aircraft, loaned by the Portuguese Air Force, which participants can explore.
- Founded
- 2004
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 2 · For guided activities and observations, children up to 2 years old do not pay. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €3.50 per personAssociations and other groups: €3.50 per person for guided activities; schools €2.50. Night observations from Tuesday to Friday for groups of at least 10 people: €100 (each additional person €10; schools €3.50; associations €4). |
| Families | €10Guided activities: two adults and up to three young people under 18. |
| Guided activities (planetarium, Astronomy Park, “A Física do Voo”), per person | €4Advance booking. |
| Saturday night observation, per person | €5Children up to 2 years old do not pay. |
| Saturday night observation, family ticket | €15 |
A self-guided visit without a mediator costs €2 per person. Activities and observations must be booked by phone or email; tickets are bought at reception on the day of the visit.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €10 · Guided activities: two adults and up to three young people under 18. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
The park's modules are interactive. The centre organises astro-birthday parties and activities for schools and families.
Getting there & parking
By car: take the A1 to the Torres Novas exit, then the A23 to the Constância Centro exit. From there, follow the signs to the Centro Ciência Viva de Constância – Parque de Astronomia.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The Astronomy Park can be visited with a science mediator. Visits, planetarium sessions and observations require advance booking. |
