MCUC has the oldest Portuguese museum center of natural history and scientific instruments, inseparable from the built heritage of Jesuit and Pombaline matrix, to which are associated other collections that reflect the evolution of the University of Coimbra and its influence in Portugal and the world.


The earliest objects in his collections date mostly from the Century of Lights. Much contributed to the wealth of the estate the transfer to Coimbra of the collection of experimental physics of the College of Nobles in Lisbon, but also the Philosophical Trips of Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira to the Amazon. Part of the Museums collection can still be visited today in the original rooms, the Chimico Laboratory and the former College of Jesus. The MCUC also houses the academic estate and collections of the former National Museum of Science and Technology (MNCT).

From the mid-16th century, the University of Coimbra became the largest Portuguese commissioner in the artistic field, right after the Crown. Over the generations, its artistic heritage has accumulated, giving rise to a remarkable collection of historical and aesthetic testimonies of the past, which stands out in the national and international contexts in the most varied fields, with emphasis on architecture, sculpture, painting, tile and tapestry.

This rich heritage is constantly being updated, adding new reasons and points of interest daily. And the University of Coimbra has shaped this heritage and pays special attention to putting it at the service of all. 

At the Science Museum, the University of Coimbra develops a museum project of unique characteristics in our country, which aims to bring together the scientific collection scattered by various university museums and colleges, in addition to the collections of the Astronomical Observatory and the Geophysical Institute. way, a modern and integrating Science Museum, at the level of the best existing in the world.

The Science Museum of the University of Coimbra is an interactive museum that aims to provide visitors of all ages with an entertainment environment to discover science. 

The Museum features the Universitys collections of scientific objects and instruments, as well as several interesting exhibitions and hands-on experiments. The Museum organizes numerous activities. Their temporary exhibitions, guided tours, workshops and informal meetings have become well known and popular with the public.


The museum is included in the heritage of the “University of Coimbra Alta and Sofia”, classified by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 2013.

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