Centro Ciência Viva de Braga
Science centre in Gualtar with a digital immersive planetarium, an experimental laboratory, an astronomical observatory and exhibition spaces.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Centro Ciência Viva de Braga, also known as the Casa da Ciência de Braga, is a science centre in Gualtar, in the parish of the same name in Braga. It is run by ORION – Sociedade Científica de Astronomia do Minho (Minho Astronomy Scientific Society), with the support of the Câmara Municipal de Braga and the School of Sciences of the University of Minho, and is part of the Ciência Viva network of centres.
The space brings together several rooms and equipment for science communication: a digital immersive planetarium, an IT room with robots and micro:bits, an experimental laboratory, the DÓING laboratory for building objects, and an auditorium for 60 people. Next to the building there is an astronomical observatory with robotic telescopes and a meteor detector, and a pond used for environmental education activities.
The exhibition areas total about 170 m² indoors and 350 m² outdoors, with interactive modules and exhibitions from other centres in the network. The centre also organises planetarium sessions, astronomical observations, workshops, Cafés com Ciência (science cafés) and activities for schools and families.
Highlights
- Digital immersive planetarium with fulldome films
- Astronomical observatory with robotic telescopes
- Experimental laboratory and DÓING laboratory
- Interactive modules and exhibitions from the Ciência Viva network
- AllSky7 meteor detector
Permanent exhibition
- Espaços expositivos e planetário imersivo – Interactive modules, Ciência Viva network exhibitions and a digital planetarium with guided sessions.
- Operated by
- ORION – Sociedade Científica de Astronomia do Minho
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4People with special needs, seniors, students with a student card and holders of the Cartão Jovem |
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 4 · Free admission for children under 5; ages 5 to 17: €5. |
| Seniors | €4 |
| Visitors with disabilities | €4People with special needs |
| Students & apprentices | €4With a student card |
| Families | €18Up to 2 adults with 2 children up to 17 years old |
The centre's admission ticket does not include workshops or planetarium sessions, which have their own prices. Admission for those over 17 costs €8. The centre does not have a Multibanco terminal. Prior booking is mandatory (geral@casacienciabraga.org or +351 253 695 236).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €18 · Up to 2 adults with 2 children up to 17 years old |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Regular activities for families and the general public, workshops, planetarium sessions for various ages and a family ticket.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Junta de Freguesia de Gualtar
Buses 24, 63 and 66, stopping in front of the Junta de Freguesia (parish council) of Gualtar.
By car, from the centre of Braga, along Avenida João XXI and Avenida João Paulo II (N103) to Rua da Universidade; turn left at the junction next to the Gualtar parish council and continue on to Rua Maria Delfina Gomes.
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
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Planetarium sessions (from age 5, depending on the film) and other activities require booking by e-mail or telephone. The centre receives classes from pre-school to secondary school. |
