Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos
Science centre in the Casa Fogaça in Lagos, dedicated to navigation and the Age of Discoveries, with the exhibition “Do Astrolábio ao GPS” and workshops.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos is housed in the Casa Fogaça, an 18th-century Pombaline mansion that its last owner, Maria Boulain Fogaça, donated to the city. It was inaugurated on 29 January 2009 by the then Minister of Science, José Mariano Gago, and was the third science centre in the Algarve. The building has several courtyards and a garden, with access from Rua Dr. Faria e Silva and from the terrace of the Mercado Municipal da Avenida.
The main theme is the Great Ocean Voyages and Navigation, starting from Lagos, from where many caravels set sail. The permanent exhibition “Do Astrolábio ao GPS” (From the Astrolabe to GPS) has several rooms: Bem-Vindo a Bordo (Welcome Aboard), Comunicação a Bordo (Communication on Board), Vida a Bordo (Life on Board) and the Sala do Submarino (Submarine Room). Outside, the Jardim do Farol and the Jardim do Barco have a pool for small sailing boats and a giant replica of a caravel.
The Oficina Dóing has a 3D printer and 3D pens, robots and a chain-reaction arena. The centre also offers workshops, birthday parties, holiday programmes, astronomy, field trips and an educational programme for schools.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition “Do Astrolábio ao GPS” on navigation during the Discoveries
- Submarine room with a periscope
- Jardim do Barco with a giant caravel replica
- Oficina Dóing with a 3D printer and robots
- Housed in the Casa Fogaça, an 18th-century Pombaline house
Permanent exhibitions
- Do Astrolábio ao GPS – Exhibition on the Great Ocean Voyages and Navigation, with rooms, interactive games and a caravel replica.
- Oficina Dóing – Space with a 3D printer and 3D pens, robots and a chain-reaction arena.
- Founded
- 2009
- Operated by
- Município de Lagos (rede Ciência Viva)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Young people aged 6 to 17, people with special needs, seniors, teachers, and holders of a student card or the Cartão Jovem |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 5 · From 6 to 17 years; children under 6 enter free. |
| Seniors | €3People aged 65 or over. |
| Students & apprentices | €3With a student card or the Cartão Jovem. |
| Groups (16+ people) | €5 per personAdult group visits of more than 15 people, by advance booking. School-age visit: €2.50 per person. |
| Families | €15Family ticket for up to 2 adults with children up to age 17. |
| Family ticket + workshop | €21 |
| Extra workshop | €9 |
| Workshop (groups) | €5 |
| Visit + workshop (groups) | €6 |
Free admission: Free admission on 29 January, 16 May and 24 November; on Sundays for residents of the municipality of Lagos, with proof.
Solidarity ticket office: up to 3 solidarity tickets per day.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator
- 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
Access to the building is by stairs and lift.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €15 · Family ticket for up to 2 adults with children up to age 17. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Family ticket with workshop, birthday parties, holiday programmes (“Ciência Viva no Verão”, “Férias com Ciência”), “Ciência em Família” and astronomy.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Estação de Lagos · 600 m
Lagos railway station (Algarve Line) is about 600 m from the centre.
The centre is in a pink building behind and above the Avenida market, reached by stairs and lift, or via the back of the Igreja de São Sebastião.
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 | Group visits to the exhibition space are accompanied by a science communicator and are booked by email (info@lagos.cienciaviva.pt). Eating and drinking are not allowed in the exhibition rooms. |
