Audio GuideNational Museum of Science & Natural History
Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência
Landmark museum with preserved animal specimens, like fish & birds, plus anthropological artifacts.
The National Museum of Natural History and Science in Lisbon is a fascinating destination for those with inquisitive minds. Established in the eighteen hundreds as the Royal Museum of Natural History and Botanical Garden, it has grown over time by amalgamating with other institutions. In two thousand and eleven, it joined forces with the Science Museum, the Lisbon Botanical Garden, and the Astronomical Observatory, forming a rich and diverse complex. Despite a devastating fire in nineteen seventy-eight that destroyed numerous valuable collections, the museum was rebuilt and continued to expand. Today, visitors can delve into extensive displays in zoology, featuring preserved fish and birds, anthropology with intriguing human artefacts, mineralogy, and palaeontology. The historic buildings, including the former Polytechnic School, enhance the museum's allure. Run by the University of Lisbon, MUHNAC not only showcases scientific treasures but also engages the community with exhibitions, educational programmes, and research activities. The verdant Botanical Garden offers a tranquil escape with a range of plant species, while the Astronomical Observatory provides insights into the cosmos. As a pillar of Portugal’s scientific and cultural legacy, the museum invites visitors of all ages to discover the wonders of nature and science in an inspiring and accessible environment.