Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto
University museum in Porto with the Biodiversity Gallery (Ciência Viva Centre), the Botanical Garden and the Central Pole in the Reitoria (rectorate).
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto (MHNC-UP) was formally established at the end of 2015 through the merger of the Museu de História Natural da Universidade do Porto and the Museu da Ciência da Universidade do Porto (a unit of the Faculty of Sciences). It preserves, studies and publicises a vast heritage linked to the natural, exact and human sciences, built up over more than two centuries of the university's educational and research activity.
The museum has a multipolar structure. The Central Pole operates in the historic building of the Reitoria (rectorate) and holds the collections of geology, palaeontology, zoology, archaeology, ethnography, scientific instruments and the Herbarium of the University of Porto. It is undergoing restructuring and has hosted temporary exhibitions since 2019, in addition to the Laboratório Ferreira da Silva, opened in 2021.
The second pole, on Rua do Campo Alegre, houses the Biodiversity Gallery – Ciência Viva Centre and the Porto Botanical Garden, both fully open to the public. The permanent exhibition of the Gallery presents 49 exhibition modules organised into 15 themes, which combine science, art and literature to tell stories about life.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition of the Biodiversity Gallery, with 49 modules on 15 themes
- Whale skeleton in the Gallery's atrium
- Porto Botanical Garden, at the same pole
- Laboratório Ferreira da Silva, at the Central Pole
- University of Porto Herbarium and historical collections
Permanent exhibitions
- Exposição permanente da Galeria da Biodiversidade – 49 exhibition modules on 15 themes covering biological and cultural diversity, with mechanical models and multimedia platforms.
- Laboratório Ferreira da Silva – Historic chemistry space, with instruments and publications from the early 20th century linked to teaching and research.
- Founded
- 2015
- Operated by
- Universidade do Porto
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- 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
Level access, even surfaces, adapted toilets with baby-changing facilities and rest areas in all units. The Biodiversity Gallery and the Central Pole have lifts (in the Gallery, a panoramic lift). Wheelchairs are available free of charge at reception on request. The Botanical Garden has two large parking spaces inside.
Kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
The Educational Service runs family programmes, seasonal activities for children aged 6 to 12, and themed birthday parties (€15 per child, for groups of 12 to 30 children).
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The museum offers spaces for hire.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Visits and activities of the Educational Service require advance booking, at least one week ahead. Minors may enter only when accompanied by adults. Backpacks, tripods and other unauthorised photographic equipment are left at the entrance. |
