Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra

The Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra occupies some of the most beautiful historic buildings of Portugal’s oldest university, including the eighteenth-century chemistry laboratory. Its collections of scientific instruments, natural history and medicine are among the finest in the country.

Science in a historic university

The museum belongs to the University of Coimbra, whose historic buildings are listed by UNESCO. The Laboratorio Chimico, restored to its original appearance, is the museum’s centrepiece, and the collections document the teaching and practice of science from the Enlightenment onwards.

What to see

• The eighteenth-century chemistry laboratory and its apparatus.
• Historic scientific instruments, from astronomy to physics.
• Natural history collections, including zoology and mineralogy.
• Temporary exhibitions on science and its history.

Visiting the museum

The museum is in the historic centre of Coimbra, close to the university’s main buildings. Opening hours and tickets are published on the official website, so check before your visit.

Visitor information: uc.pt.

Image credit: Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra, by Joseolgon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.