Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve
Interactive science centre in Faro, with exhibitions on physics, geology and the Ria Formosa, and aquariums with a space where animals can be touched.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve is on Rua Comandante Francisco Manuel in Faro and is part of the national network of Ciência Viva centres. It is a science outreach space for schools, families and the general public, with interactive exhibitions, aquariums, science workshops and astronomy sessions.
The exhibition “Saber+, Comer bem, Andar melhor” is an interactive space on physics, geology, nutrition, meteorology and volcanism, where visitors can, for example, feel a simulated earthquake, watch a tornado up close or calculate their own weight on other planets. The exhibition “Da Ria à Rua” is devoted to the ecosystem of the Ria Formosa and other coastal habitats.
The Apalpário is an aquarium representing the intertidal zone of the Ria Formosa, where visitors can touch the animals, accompanied by monitors. The Aquário Inframareal shows the permanently submerged part of the lagoon, with seahorses and seagrass meadows, and there are also a tropical aquarium and a freshwater aquarium. The centre also hosts the Micro-Folie de Faro space.
Highlights
- Exhibition “Saber+, Comer bem, Andar melhor” with earthquake and tornado simulators
- Exhibition “Da Ria à Rua” on the Ria Formosa
- Apalpário: aquarium where animals can be touched
- Aquariums with seahorses, tropical and freshwater fish
- Science workshops, astronomy sessions and Micro-Folie de Faro
Permanent exhibitions
- Saber+, Comer bem, Andar melhor – Interactive room on physics, geology, nutrition, meteorology and volcanism.
- Da Ria à Rua – Exhibition on the ecosystem of the Ria Formosa and other coastal habitats, with a pool where intertidal animals can be touched.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Children, students (with student card) and people over 65. |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 2 · Children and students with card. |
| Seniors | €3From age 65. |
| Students & apprentices | €3With student card. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €3 per personSchools and children's groups: €3 per person; adult groups: €3.50 per person; teachers and accompanying adults free of charge. |
Free admission: Free admission on Sundays for residents of Faro, Loulé and Albufeira.
The aquariums are included in the general ticket. The Bilheteira Solidária offers free or reduced admission for people in economic hardship (info@ccvalg.pt). Science and holiday workshops have their own prices.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Holiday workshops, science workshops and birthday parties; at the Apalpário children can touch the animals.
Getting there & parking
On Rua Comandante Francisco Manuel, in Faro.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Centre shop.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Groups of at least 10 people must book 48 hours in advance (reservas.ccvalg.pt). |
