Estação Ciência da Universidade de São Paulo, Science museum in Lapa district, São Paulo, Brazil
Estação Ciência of the University of São Paulo was a science museum housed in a converted factory building in the Lapa district. It presented exhibitions on physics, biology, astronomy, mathematics, meteorology, geography, and geology.
Founded in 1987 by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, the center joined the University of São Paulo in 1990. It closed to visitors on 15 March 2013 for restoration, but only the sidewalks were repaved and the walls cleaned. In May 2016 the building returned to the São Paulo state government, its owner, and never reopened; the collection went to Parque CienTec, EEL, EACH and CDCC.
The name Estação Ciência, or Science Station, framed the museum as a stop on a journey through science. It won the José Reis Prize for Scientific Dissemination and the RedPOP/Unesco Latin American Prize for the Popularization of Science and Technology. Its method was non-formal learning, distinct from classroom teaching, meant to bring science closer to children's daily lives.
The building has been closed to visitors since 15 March 2013, when it shut for restoration, and was handed back to the São Paulo state government in May 2016; it never reopened. Only the sidewalks were repaved and the walls cleaned during that period. It stands next to the Lapa bus terminal, the Lapa shopping centre and the CPTM Lapa railway station, so it can be seen from outside while passing through the district.
The building was listed as municipal heritage by Conpresp on 12 May 2009, while the museum was still operating. Its collection later went to Parque CienTec, the Lorena Engineering School, EACH and the CDCC. In 2016 the building returned to the São Paulo state government, which owns it.
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