Pavilhão da Água
Interactive science centre in Porto's Parque da Cidade on water and energy, heir to the Expo 98 pavilion.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Pavilhão da Água (Water Pavilion) opened at Expo 98 in Lisbon, whose theme was “Os Oceanos, um Património para o Futuro” (The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future), and it was one of the most visited spaces at the exhibition. Built by Unicer and later donated to the Porto City Council, it was moved to the Parque da Cidade (City Park), next to the north entrance on the Estrada da Circunvalação, and reopened to the public on 28 December 2002.
Until 2010 it was run by the Fundação Ciência e Desenvolvimento (Science and Development Foundation), a private institution created in 1995 under an agreement between the Porto City Council and the University of Porto. In January 2011 management passed to Águas do Porto, under a contract with the Council, which owns the facility.
The interactive exhibition follows the course of a river from its source to its mouth, in three stages (source, middle course and mouth), and shows the urban water cycle in the city of Porto. In 2023, modules on the energy transition and efficient energy use were added, including the smart home, the energy cycle and a digital quiz.
Highlights
- Interactive exhibition following a river from its source to its mouth
- Urban water cycle in the city of Porto
- Energy modules: smart home, energy cycle and digital quiz
- Laboratories and educational programmes
- Free parking at the north entrance of the Parque da Cidade
Permanent exhibition
- Exposição interativa – Route following a river from source to mouth, with interactive modules on water and, since 2023, on energy.
- Founded
- 1998
- Operated by
- Águas e Energia do Porto, EM
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €6Students (with card) and seniors over 65 |
| Children & teens | €5Children aged 4 to 12; admission is free up to age 4 (as published). |
| Seniors | €6Over 65 |
| Visitors with disabilities | €4People with special needs |
| Students & apprentices | €6On presentation of a card as proof |
| Groups | €5 per personPer person, for groups of more than 15 people |
| Families | €11Family I: 1 adult and 1 child; Family II (2 adults and 1 child): €18; extra child: €4 |
| Family II (2 adults + 1 child) | €18 |
| Extra child (family ticket) | €4 |
| School visit to the exhibition (per child) | €4One free teacher place for every 10 paying pupils |
Discounts with a card, applied to the general price: Cartão Porto., 50%; Porto. CARD, Cartão FNAC, Liga para a Proteção da Natureza, Cartão Associação Mutualista, Clube Millennium BCP and ACP card, 15%.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | €11 · Family I: 1 adult and 1 child; Family II (2 adults and 1 child): €18; extra child: €4 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
The exhibition is interactive and aimed at all ages, with laboratories and educational programmes. Birthday parties are held.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Matosinhos Sul
Metro: Matosinhos Sul station (line towards Senhor de Matosinhos); buses 500 and 502.
By car
Free parking
Free parking for buses and cars at the north entrance of the Parque da Cidade, on the Estrada da Circunvalação, until full.
The best car access is via the Estrada da Circunvalação; pedestrian access through the Parque da Cidade is signposted.
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
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The educational service organises visits, laboratories and the H2Out programme. Bookings by telephone or email (servico.educativo@pavilhaodaagua.pt). There is a joint school ticket with the Sea Life Porto. |
