Once we’ve established that Coimbra is undoubtedly a city of the future, let’s go back to the past, almost to the origin of the city’s need to innovate. In the eighteenth century, one of the greatest Portuguese scientific centers was located in Coimbra: we are talking about the historic Laboratorio Chimico, the same building that currently houses the renowned Museum of Science, in the University area.
The laboratory was built at the behest of the Marquis of Pombal, in 1772. It was a revolution at the time, becoming the first institution specifically created for teaching chemistry in Portugal, as well as researching in this field. The construction was supervised by the military engineer William Elsden, director of the University’s reform.
After more than 200 years, in 2006, the same building received the modern Science Museum, which you must visit if you are in Coimbra. Divided into several galleries, physics – zoology – mineralogy – geology and botany, the Museum has been distinguished with several awards that recognize the quality of its educational activities and integration with the public.
The permanent exhibition “Secrets of Light and Matter”, for example, is interactive and extremely interesting for visitors of any age.
We must highlight the Zoology Gallery, an incredible space that features the largest zoological collection in the country, which includes the most varied species of almost all zoological groups, installed in a former Jesuit college dating back to the 16th century.
The exhibition halls/galleries maintain their original design and, thus, maintain the vision and organization of a 19th century museum where the cabinets were simultaneously exhibitors and reserves of objectives.The thousands of animals are organized by geographic zones and by habitats: among animals [some already extinct] skeletons, birds and butterflies with dazzling colors … the eyes are captivated at every corner. Stading out: the impressive skeleton of a fin whale, 20 meters long and the largest specimen in the entire collection of the Museum; also the Portuguese Gerês bear and goats, animals already extinct.
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