UC Exploratório – Centro Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra

About the museum

UC Exploratório – Centro Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra opened in 1995 and was the first interactive science centre created in Portugal, with strong links to the University of Coimbra. It is part of the national Ciência Viva Centres Network, created in 1998, and is dedicated to promoting scientific culture for all audiences.

The centre is in the Parque Verde do Mondego, in a complex of two buildings that includes a planetarium with 360-degree hemispherical projection. Over three decades it has developed a programme for the city and the country, with increasingly international links.

The regular offer combines a central exhibition that is renewed periodically, the CriaATIVIDADE space for children and young people aged 0 to 12, and the Hemispherium, with daily 360-degree film screenings. There are also the free-admission galleries Science Photo Gallery and MicroScience Photo Gallery, the Explorastórias programme for families and activities during school holidays.

Highlights

• First interactive science centre in Portugal (1995)
• Hemispherium, planetarium with 360-degree films
• CriaATIVIDADE, exploration space for children aged 0 to 12
• Espelhos – Dentro e fora da realidade exhibition
• Science Photo Gallery with free admission
• Free on-site parking

Permanent exhibitions

• Espelhos – Dentro e fora da realidade – Interactive exhibition included in the admission ticket, on perception and reality.
• CriaATIVIDADE – Active exploration space for children and young people aged 0 to 12, with challenges for adults too.
• Hemispherium – Planetarium with hemispherical projection and daily 360-degree film sessions, including Astronomia para Bebés (Astronomy for Babies).

Founded

1995

Operated by

Universidade de Coimbra (Rede Nacional de Centros Ciência Viva)

Admission & discounts

The one-day ticket gives access to the spaces and exhibitions (Espelhos, CriaATIVIDADE, Hemispherium, Game Lab). Free admission for holders of the Cartão Ciência Viva; a solidarity ticket office is available. The Science Photo Gallery and MicroScience Photo Gallery have free admission. Tickets are sold at the centre's ticket office.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• 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

The car park has two spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility, and the building has an access ramp.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

The CriaATIVIDADE space is aimed at children and young people aged 0 to 12. The Explorastórias programme invites families to explore stories and science, and there are activities during school holidays.

Getting there & parking

GPS coordinates: 40.196985, -8.429253. The centre is next to the Parque Verde do Mondego, on the left bank.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Proteína café in the centre and the Faz de Conto bookshop. About a 3-minute walk away there is a public picnic area.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The centre has a dedicated page for hiring spaces.

Plan your visit