Centro de Interpretação do Vulcão dos Capelinhos – Centro Ciência Viva
Underground science centre next to the Capelinhos Lighthouse, with exhibitions on the 1957/58 eruption, the world's volcanoes and the Azorean lighthouses.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Centro de Interpretação do Vulcão dos Capelinhos – Centro Ciência Viva is located in Capelo, on the island of Faial, next to the lighthouse that the 1957/58 eruption left surrounded by a recent volcanic landscape. It is an informative, educational and scientific space, and the building was constructed underground so as not to interfere with the existing landscape.
The centre brings together exhibitions on the eruption of the Capelinhos volcano, the formation of the Azores archipelago, the most emblematic volcanoes in the world and the history of the Azorean lighthouses. It also has an auditorium, screenings of films and documentaries, and a temporary exhibition of rock and mineral samples.
The route includes the option to climb the lighthouse and enjoy the landscape created by the eruption, subject to weather conditions. In 2012 the centre was nominated by the European Museum Forum for the European Museum of the Year Award. It belongs to the network of Centros Ciência Viva and is managed within the Faial Natural Park.
Highlights
- Exhibitions on the 1957/58 eruption of the Capelinhos volcano
- Climb to the lighthouse, with views over the volcanic landscape
- Exhibition on the world's most emblematic volcanoes and the formation of the Azores
- Audio guides for blind and deaf visitors and a Braille route
- Underground building, nominated for the European Museum of the Year in 2012
Permanent exhibition
- Exposição interpretativa – Exhibitions on the eruption of the Capelinhos volcano, the formation of the Azores archipelago, the world's most emblematic volcanoes and the history of the Azorean lighthouses.
- Operated by
- Parque Natural do Faial, Governo dos Açores
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Young people aged 7 to 14 and people over 65. |
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 6 · Free admission up to the age of 6; from 7 to 14, €5. |
| Seniors | €5Over 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities or legally certified severe disabilities. |
| Families | €202 adults and children up to the age of 14. |
| Residents of the Azores | freeFree admission upon presentation of the citizen card. |
| Centro Ciência Viva card (2 adults and included children) | freeFree admission upon presentation of the card. |
Children up to the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult during the visit. Payment can be made by Multibanco or VISA.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description
The centre has wheelchairs available, toilets for people with reduced mobility, self-guided audio guides for blind and deaf visitors, and a Braille route.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €20 · 2 adults and children up to the age of 14. |
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
The centre has a children's area and baby-changing facilities; children up to the age of 6 enter free, and there is a family ticket.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Car park at the centre.
The centre is in Capelo, about 25 km from the centre of Horta (about 30 minutes by car). Leaving Horta westwards on the Estrada Regional, you pass Feteira and Castelo Branco; after the entrance to the Parque do Capelo, turn left following the sign Vulcão dos Capelinhos, and drive about 4 km to the access road to the volcano, on the left.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The centre has an auditorium, ticket office, baby-changing facilities and a car park.
Events & venue rental
The centre has an auditorium.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (PT, EN) |
| Good to know | Guided tours by prior booking, at least 72 hours in advance; duration 60 minutes. The self-guided visit guide (multimodal audio guides) is available in Portuguese and English. |
