National Museum of Science & Natural History, Natural history museum in Santo António, Lisbon, Portugal
Description
The National Museum of Science and Natural History in Lisbon displays collections of animals, rocks, plants, and human evolution across several exhibition halls. The rooms are housed in the building of the former Polytechnic School and provide insights into different areas of natural science.
History
The institution began as a royal collection of natural specimens in the 1700s and relocated in 1858 to its current building at the Polytechnic School. This move allowed the collections to expand and be better organized as the scientific holdings grew.
Culture
The museum holds scientific collections built over generations that reflect how Portuguese researchers have studied and understood the natural world. Visitors can see in the display rooms the methods and approaches that scientists used to document species, fossils, and minerals.
Practical
The museum is located on Rua da Escola Politecnica and is accessible to visitors with different mobility needs. Clear signage in the rooms makes it easy to navigate between the different exhibition areas.
Did you know?
A fire in 1978 destroyed large portions of the zoology and geology collections, forcing the museum to reassess what it held. Some of the damaged items were later reconstructed or replaced through donations.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Lisboa).
Lisbon Synagogue
359 m
Jardim do Príncipe Real
233 m
Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda
104 m
National Museum of Natural History and Science, Lisbon
22 m
Cinemateca Portuguesa
400 m
Teatro Maria Vitória
424 m
Jardim Botânico de Lisboa
166 m
Convento dos Cardais
408 m
Escola Politécnica de Lisboa
22 m
Procuradoria Geral da República
290 m
Reservatório da Patriarcal
243 m
Real Fábrica das Sedas
383 m
Casa Museu João da Silva
331 m
Jardim Fialho de Almeida
299 m
Palacete Ribeiro da Cunha
226 m
Chafariz do Largo do Rato
379 m
Núcleo principal da antiga Escola Politécnica - Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa
22 m
Edifício na Rua Nova de São Mamede, n.º 3 a 9
189 m
Palácio Ceia
152 m
Teatro do Bairro Alto
288 m
Chafariz da Rua do Arco de São Mamede
319 m
Palacete Faria
318 m
Palacete Alenquer
317 m
Picadeiro do Antigo Colégio dos Nobres
103 m
Edifício na Rua Cecílio de Sousa, 34 a 38
260 m
Amália Rodrigues House Museum
416 m
Chafariz da Rua da Mãe de Água
336 m
Edifício da Sociedade Nacional de Belas-Artes, incluindo o património móvel integrado
392 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes