Cities
Portugal Coimbra Central Museum

UC Exploratório - Centro de Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra

About

UC Exploratório – Centro de Ciência Viva is one of Coimbra’s most engaging spaces for hands‑on scientific discovery, designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages. Located in the city’s green park area, it offers interactive exhibitions that explore physics, biology, astronomy, technology, and the natural world through playful, immersive experiences. The centre encourages experimentation, allowing guests to learn by touching, observing, and testing ideas in a relaxed and creative environment. Its planetarium adds an extra layer of wonder, guiding audiences through the mysteries of the universe. As part of the national Ciência Viva network, the Exploratório promotes scientific literacy and connects the public with ongoing research at the University of Coimbra. It is a lively destination where learning becomes an adventure and science feels accessible, inspiring, and fun.

Coimbra Portugal
UC Exploratório - Centro de Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra
Location

UC Exploratório - Centro de Ciência Viva da Universidade de Coimbra is located at Rotunda das Lages in Parque Verde do Mondego, on the left bank of the Mondego River in Coimbra, Portugal, specifically in the parish of Santa Clara e Castelo Viegas. This interactive science centre occupies a modern 2500m² complex built in 2008, featuring a 360° hemispherical cinema and hands-on exhibits. Nearby attractions include the expansive green spaces of Parque Verde do Mondego for riverside walks and picnics, the iconic Pedro and Inês Bridge across the river, the historic Santa Clara Monastery a short stroll away, and easy access to Coimbra’s city centre with its university hilltop landmarks like the Joanina Library and old town, blending modern science with natural and historical surroundings.

Museu Nacional Machado de Castro Museu Nacional Machado de Castro Museum Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra Museu da Ciência 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