10 Science Museums in Portugal That You Shouldn't Miss

The Interpretation Centre of Priolo was developed by SPEA in partnership with SRAM (Regional Secretariat of Environment and Sea) and DRRF (Regional Direction of Forestry Resources) during LIFE Priolo Project. Its mission is to raise awareness for the "Priolo" and its habitat, the Laurel Forest. "Priolo" is one of most threatened birds in Europe, existing only in the east part of the Island of São Miguel, where several actions to preserve and guarantee its survival have been carried, since 2003. Objectives: 1. Reception and information center for all visitors to the SPA ZPE Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme. 2. Create an activity program, aimed to the local population, that can contribute to improve their knowledge and awareness about native species in the Açores. 3. Offer an interesting educational program for schools all over the Azores. 4. Encourage sustaintable development in the region by selling local handcraft and alimentar products, and by developing Eco-tourism. 5. Develop a group of partners and volunteers, that can contribute to the conservation of the Priolo and its habitat. 6. Develop a structure to encourage research on the SPA Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme. The centre has many activities for the visitors all year round. Visitors will have access to an interactive exhibition that will help to have a better understanding of the flora, fauna and conservation actions present in the SPA Pico da Vara /Ribeira do Guilherme. The center also has a specially designed children area in which they can do activities related to Priolo and Azorean Laurel Forest.

Come and visit the Observatorio Vulcanologico e Geotermico dos Acores (OVGA, a place were you can understand the geology of Azores. We have different exhibits that are related to rocks, minerals and fossil. We have rare and unique exemplars!

The Observatorio do Lago Alqueva – OLA (Lake Alqueva Observatory) is an astronomical observatory next to the medieval village of Monsaraz. OLA offers almost daily tours of the magnificent night sky of Monsaraz, where one can learn the orientation by the North Star, identify the constellations and know their legends, relate stellar colours with their ages, observe star clusters, nebulas and distant galaxies with the help of telescopes. The explanations are presented with clear examples and language by OLA’s guides. When the weather is cloudy, we resort to a simulation using astronomy software. The observatory also promotes courses on astronomy and astrophotography and has a vast program of outreach talks and activities for the general public, schools and senior groups.

The Observatório Astronómico de Santana (Santana's Astronomical Observatory) is a Science Center in the Azores, part of the Azores' Region Science Center Network, that has science and educational outreach as its main goal, always focusing in the themes of astronomy and space exploration. Our activities are focused on the schools' science educational programs, providing adequate learning bases to all students. We too work for the community, giving our region the access to astronomical material and continued formation to all ages and social backgrounds. More than being a science center, our work is supported on outreach activities, bringing astronomy to people, whoever and wherever they are.

Expolab - Centro Ciência Viva is a Science Center and its mission is the promotion of scientific knowledge in the many fields of Natural Sciences and Technology, focusing on experimentation and laboratory activities.

the casa museu de vilar is a small museum devoted to the art of the moving pictures. there are 3 exhibition rooms: pre cinema, the art of abi feijo and regina pessoa and the international animation. we also can organize animation workshops and animations screenings. We also have an animation library, an animation workshop and a small animation shop.

The final seventeen kilometres of the Coa valley contain hundreds of Palaeolithic engravings along the river’s banks, extending all the way to the River Douro. This zone has been made into Portugal’s first Archaeological Park. This Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 2 December 1998. This entire open-air art collection, which buries the old myth of rock art only existing in caves, is exhibited in the Museum through original pieces of movable art, replicas of “rock panels” and interactive zones that use modern digital technology. The art can also be viewed in loco on organised visits to the valley with specialised guides (advance booking required). Visit also (no advance booking required) the Museum which provides an overview of the Ice Age Coa Valley rock-art, its archaeological context as well as magnificent views over the Coa and Douro rivers. Museum opening times: High season: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM; Closes at lunchtime (01:00 PM - 02-00 PM) in low season from the 20th of October until the last day of February. Closed on Mondays, 1st of January, 1st of May and 25th of December.

It is a place where Science and Technology break the walls of laboratories, coming in direction to the visitor. A place where it is possible to interact with the exposition; to touch, experiment, play and discover are a must through the entire visit. At the Centre for Live Science of Estremoz you will discover how the place where we all live works... Earth.

The Associacao Oficina Ciencia Viva de Tavira was founded with the features of a new generation Science Centre, including both interactive exhibition and laboratory spaces. In addition, the Tavira Ciencia Viva Centre assumes a key role in dynamizing the participation of the community in the public debates concerning science and technology.