Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra > Lages
The Exploratório is located in the Lages urbanisation, in Coimbra, near the left bank of the Mondego river. It is integrated into the Mondego Green Park, an area that invites strolls and contact with nature in the heart of the city. Its location offers a peaceful and accessible environment for those seeking a space for knowledge and discovery.
Inaugurated in 1995, the Exploratório made history as the first interactive science centre in Portugal. It was born from a strong connection to the University of Coimbra and, since 1998, has been part of the National Network of Ciência Viva Centres, dedicated to promoting scientific culture in the Central Region and beyond. The current building, a modern and spacious structure of approximately 2500 m2, was established in 2008, providing an environment conducive to the exploration of knowledge.
The Exploratório is a space designed for all ages, offering a diverse set of proposals with a strong practical and experimental component. The exhibitions invite visitors to interact directly with scientific and technological concepts, encouraging curiosity and learning through discovery. The themes covered are varied, including areas such as health, the human body, and the challenges of science and technology in daily life.
One of the most notable elements of the Exploratório is the Hemispherium, a unique projection room with a dome that serves as a 360-degree screen. This space provides complete immersion in scientific films and content, particularly on astronomy and the universe. The Hemispherium's programming is designed for different audiences, making night sky observation and the exploration of complex themes accessible and captivating. This space was also recognised with the Ecsite Mariano Gago Award in 2018 for its film "Astronomy for Babies".
In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the Exploratório develops activities that bring the community closer to research and scientific thinking. Its focus is to provide an accessible and engaging understanding of complex phenomena, demystifying science and technology through a playful and educational approach. This centre seeks to stimulate creativity and critical thinking, inviting visitors to question and experiment.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.1970793,-8.4292575
Coordinates DMS: 40°11'49.5"N 08°25'45.3"W