National Museum of Science & Natural History

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The museum building originally functioned as the Polytechnic School of Lisbon, founded in 1837.

2. 2

   The onsite Lisbon Botanical Garden, opened in 1878, is one of the most important in Southern Europe due to its unique collection of rare tropical plants.

3. 3

   The collection includes over 3,000 distinct mineral samples, many of which originate from the former Portuguese colonies in Africa and Brazil.

4. 4

   The Chemistry Laboratory remains preserved as a 'living' exhibit, reflecting 19th-century educational methods in natural sciences.

5. 5

   The museum houses a significant archive of astronomical instruments used in the 19th-century Observatory located on the premises.

6. 6

   The botanical garden features a rare collection of Cycads, some of which are centuries old.

7. 7

   The museum is actively managed by the University of Lisbon to foster scientific literacy and historical preservation.

Overview

The National Museum of Science and Natural History, known as MUHNAC, is located within the historic campus of the University of Lisbon in the Rato/Príncipe Real neighborhood. The museum integrates the historic Polytechnic School building, dating back to the 19th century, with an extensive botanical garden. Its permanent collections encompass zoology, geology, and physics, highlighting Portugal's history of scientific research and exploration. Notable permanent exhibits include the Astronomical Observatory, the Chemistry Laboratory, and an expansive collection of mineralogy and paleontology specimens. The museum preserves the heritage of the Faculty of Sciences, featuring original scientific instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries. The attached Lisbon Botanical Garden is a core component of the museum, housing rare subtropical species. The facility serves as both an active research hub and an educational institution for the public. It frequently hosts temporary exhibitions focused on contemporary science and the intersection of arts and technology.

Insider tips

• Combine your visit to the museum galleries with a stroll through the Botanical Garden, as tickets often cover both.

• Check the official website for temporary exhibition updates, as the gallery focus changes several times a year.

• Wear comfortable shoes, as the paths in the Botanical Garden are steep and involve navigating different elevations.