Cities
Portugal Coimbra Central Museum

Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra

About

The Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra is a dynamic space dedicated to the history of scientific discovery, housed within the former 18th‑century College of Jesus. Its exhibitions highlight centuries of research carried out at one of Europe’s oldest universities, blending historic instruments with interactive displays that bring physics, chemistry, and natural sciences to life. Visitors can explore beautifully preserved laboratories, rare collections, and hands‑on experiments that reveal how scientific knowledge evolved over time. The museum also forms part of the university’s UNESCO‑listed heritage, offering insight into Coimbra’s long tradition of innovation and academic excellence. Engaging for both adults and younger audiences, it stands as a bridge between past and present, celebrating curiosity, learning, and the spirit of discovery.

Coimbra Portugal
Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra
Location

Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra is located at Largo Marquês de Pombal in the historic upper town of Coimbra, Portugal, housed in the neoclassical Laboratorio Chimico building. This interactive science museum features Enlightenment-era collections spanning physics, chemistry, astronomy, zoology, botany, mineralogy, and anthropology, including the renowned Cabinet of Curiosities with its eclectic 18th-century specimens. Nearby stand the Jardim Botânico entrance via São Sebastião Aqueduct uphill, Torre da Universidade and Joanina Library adjacent, Museu Nacional Machado de Castro and Sé Velha Cathedral downhill, plus Santa Cruz Monastery and lively cafés on Rua Fernandes Tomás, all within the UNESCO World Heritage university quarter.

Museu Nacional Machado de Castro Museu Nacional Machado de Castro Museum UC Exploratório - Centro de Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra UC Exploratório - Centro de Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra Museum Academic Museum of the University of Coimbra Academic Museum of the University of Coimbra Museum Edifício Chiado - Museu da Cidade de Coimbra Edifício Chiado - Museu da Cidade de Coimbra Museum Casa‑Museu Miguel Torga Casa‑Museu Miguel Torga Museum Museu da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Coimbra Museu da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Coimbra Museum Sister Lúcia's Memorial Sister Lúcia's Memorial Museum Erotic Art Museum of Coimbra Erotic Art Museum of Coimbra Museum Museu Botânico Museu Botânico Museum Cabinet of Curiosities Cabinet of Curiosities Museum Museu do Instituto de Anatomia Patológica Museu do Instituto de Anatomia Patológica Museum Teatro Académico de Gil Vicente Teatro Académico de Gil Vicente Theatre Teatrão – Oficina Municipal do Teatro Teatrão – Oficina Municipal do Teatro Theatre Centro de Arte Contemporânea de Coimbra Centro de Arte Contemporânea de Coimbra Gallery Paço das Escolas Paço das Escolas Palace Old Cathedral of Saint Mary of Coimbra Old Cathedral of Saint Mary of Coimbra Cathedral New Cathedral of Coimbra New Cathedral of Coimbra Cathedral Mosteiro de Santa Cruz Mosteiro de Santa Cruz Church Igreja de Santiago Igreja de Santiago Church Igreja de São Bartolomeu Igreja de São Bartolomeu Church Igreja de Santo António dos Olivais Igreja de Santo António dos Olivais Church Aqueduto de São Sebastião / Arcos do Jardim Aqueduto de São Sebastião / Arcos do Jardim Historical Landmark Porta e Torre de Almedina Porta e Torre de Almedina Historical Landmark Torre de Anto Torre de Anto Historical Landmark Pedro e Inês Footbridge Pedro e Inês Footbridge Bridge Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra Botanical Garden Parque de Santa Cruz Parque de Santa Cruz Park Parque Verde do Mondego Parque Verde do Mondego Park Parque Dr. Manuel Braga Parque Dr. Manuel Braga Park Portugal dos Pequenitos Portugal dos Pequenitos Tourist attractions Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra Observatory