Learn about the geological makeup of Portugal and see models of the creatures that once roamed the earth at this interactive museum.
Spend the day exploring the extensive collection housed beneath the towering vaulted ceilings of the National Museum of Natural History. The museum is housed in a stone-and-marble structure, held up by impressive gothic arches that date back to the 1800s.
Take some time to explore the science laboratory. The lab is in the same condition as it was in the 19th century and features many original pieces of equipment. See how far technology has evolved over the past two centuries as you look through the preserved laboratory, housed within a building owned by the University of Lisbon.
On the same floor as the science lab you’ll find the dinosaur exhibit, a display popular with children and adults alike. See full-sized skeletons and other artefacts on display across two rooms.
Make your way upstairs for some hands-on fun. Follow the written instructions in English to complete physics experiments, a great activity for adults and teenagers. Continue through the mathematics room to play games with English-speaking attendants.
Explore the displays of wildlife photography, models of plants and cabinets full of fossils and insects. The museum is still run by the University of Lisbon and has a long lineage of research and discovery. See more than 1,600 human skeletons that date back to the 1800s, which are being documented by scientists.
Explore the Botanical Garden after your visit to the museum. The gardens are located immediately next door. From here you can admire the views of Belem, one of Lisbon’s oldest districts.
The National Museum of Natural History is in the Principe Real district on the University of Lisbon campus. Arrive by bus or walk from nearby attractions in the area. The museum is closed on Mondays and admission is free.
