Coimbra Water Museum
Explore vintage physics instruments, authentic labs, and curiosity cabinets at the University of Coimbra's historic Science Museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more engagement
Coimbra Water Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more engagement
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore vintage physics instruments, authentic labs, and curiosity cabinets at the University of Coimbra's historic Science Museum.
"Amusing and very interesting way to get to know Coimbra university history. "
🎟️ Combined Ticket Advantage
Opt for the combined ticket that includes the University and Science Museum for better value.
🚶♀️ Two Buildings, One Visit
Remember the museum is in two separate buildings across the street. Plan your route accordingly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gabinete de Física (Physics Cabinet)
Building 1
Explore vintage physics instruments and historical classroom settings, offering a unique look at past scientific education.
Laboratório Chimico (Chemical Laboratory)
Building 1
Step into an authentic 18th-century chemical laboratory, preserved as it was used for university classes.
Gabinete de Curiosidades (Cabinet of Curiosities)
Building 2
Discover a fascinating array of rare natural history specimens in a modern interpretation of historical curiosity rooms.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Two-Building Layout
Value for Money Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combined Ticket Advantage
Opt for the combined ticket that includes the University and Science Museum for better value.
🚶♀️ Two Buildings, One Visit
Remember the museum is in two separate buildings across the street. Plan your route accordingly.
🔬 Check Exhibit Status
Some interactive stations may be out of order; check beforehand if hands-on experience is a priority.
📚 University History Insight
Great for understanding Coimbra University's academic past and historical teaching methods.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combined Ticket Advantage
Opt for the combined ticket that includes the University and Science Museum for better value.
🚶♀️ Two Buildings, One Visit
Remember the museum is in two separate buildings across the street. Plan your route accordingly.
🔬 Check Exhibit Status
Some interactive stations may be out of order; check beforehand if hands-on experience is a priority.
📚 University History Insight
Great for understanding Coimbra University's academic past and historical teaching methods.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Coimbra Science Museum offers a unique historical perspective on scientific education, with preserved laboratories and vintage instruments being highlights. However, some feel the entrance fee is high given the limited number of functioning interactive exhibits, suggesting it's more a museum of historical objects than a modern science center.
"This museum showcases a collection of historical scientific instruments and specimens gathered from various scientific disciplines at the University of Coimbra. The Laboratorio Chimico (Chemical Laboratory) and the Gabinete de Física (Physics Cabinet) are authentic spaces where university classes were once held. The Gabinete de Curiosidades (Cabinet of Curiosities) presents a modern interpretation of 17th–18th century European curiosity rooms, displaying a wide array of rare natural history specimens.
Note: The museum is divided into two separate buildings located on either side of the street.
※ Included in the Combined Ticket: University + Science Museum."
Seokjin Ham
"A great space that gives a wonderful picture of what it would have been like to study in the past."
David parker
"I visited the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra expecting a dynamic, interactive experience. Unfortunately, I left quite disappointed, especially considering the 12-euro entrance fee. The museum mainly showcases a collection of minerals, an old physics classroom filled with instruments, and a historical chemistry lab. While these spaces may have some educational value, they feel more like exhibits of outdated objects rather than an engaging science experience.
Some interactive stations are available, but many were either out of order or simply too old to function properly. It’s frustrating to pay for a science museum and find so many displays labeled "out of service." The overall impression is of a place stuck in the past, offering very little in terms of modern, hands-on scientific exploration.
In short, the value for money is quite poor. If you're expecting a vibrant, interactive science center, this is not it. It's more of a museum of old instruments than a museum of science."
Cosimo Moretti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located within the University of Coimbra campus. You can reach it by walking from the city center or using local buses. The two buildings are on opposite sides of the street, so be mindful of your navigation.
Parking in the historic center of Coimbra can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking garages on the outskirts of the old town and walk, or utilize public transport to reach the university area.
Many guided tours of the University of Coimbra include visits to the Science Museum. Booking a tour can be a convenient way to see the highlights and learn from a guide.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The individual entrance fee is around 12 euros. However, it's often more cost-effective to purchase a combined ticket that includes access to other University of Coimbra attractions like the Joanina Library.
Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your entry time and potentially avoid queues. The combined ticket can also be purchased online.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official University of Coimbra website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any potential closures before your visit.
Yes, the museum is typically included in the 'Combined Ticket' for the University of Coimbra, which grants access to multiple historical sites on campus.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features historical scientific instruments in the Physics Cabinet, an authentic 18th-century Chemical Laboratory, and a Cabinet of Curiosities with natural history specimens. Some interactive exhibits are available.
While there are some interactive elements, reviews suggest that many interactive stations may be outdated or out of order. The primary focus is on historical scientific displays.
A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest level and whether you explore both buildings thoroughly. Some visitors find it can be a shorter visit if not all exhibits are functioning.
The museum can be interesting for children, especially the Cabinet of Curiosities and any functioning interactive exhibits. However, some may find the historical displays less engaging than modern science centers.
While not always advertised for the museum itself, guided tours of the University of Coimbra often include explanations of the Science Museum's historical context and significance.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography is permitted in most areas, but it's always best to check for specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
The vintage scientific instruments in the Physics Cabinet and the preserved laboratory settings offer unique photographic opportunities. The specimens in the Cabinet of Curiosities can also be visually striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 History Buffs & Academics
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Academic History
The Gabinete de Curiosidades presents a more modern take on historical 'cabinets of curiosities,' which were private collections of unusual objects from the natural world. This section displays a diverse range of specimens, offering a fascinating, albeit sometimes eclectic, overview of natural history. While some visitors find the overall experience to be more of a historical exhibit than a dynamic science center, others appreciate the authentic glimpse into the university's scholarly heritage.
Navigating the Dual Locations
Across the street, you'll find the Gabinete de Curiosidades. It's essential to factor in the short walk between these two sites when planning your visit. This separation means you'll need to be organized to ensure you don't miss either part of the museum's collection. Many visitors recommend checking a map or asking for directions upon arrival to easily locate both buildings.
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