Science Museum of the University of Coimbra, University science museum in Coimbra, Portugal.
The Science Museum of the University of Coimbra holds Portugal's largest collection of natural history specimens and scientific instruments displayed across multiple exhibition halls and laboratory spaces. The exhibits come from different scientific fields and document research work spanning several centuries.
After education reforms by the Marquis of Pombal in 1772, the university and its departments started building scientific collections that were later brought together. This reorganization in 2006 united long-standing collections under one building.
The collections show objects from physics, botany, zoology, anthropology, and mineralogy that reflect how Portugal's scientists understood the natural world over centuries. These items tell the story of research methods and discoveries made by local naturalists.
The museum sits in a central location that is easy to reach and operates several days a week, though weekends can draw crowds. It is wise to come on weekday mornings to enjoy the exhibitions at your own pace.
The Chemistry Laboratory from 1775 is one of Europe's oldest purpose-built laboratory buildings and was once used to make gunpowder. This historic space shows how scientific facilities also served practical military purposes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
