Chemistry Laboratory
An 18th-century chemistry laboratory reborn as one of Europe's best science museums.
1772 · 2006
The Chemistry Laboratory is the most important Portuguese neoclassical building. Built in the 18th century to teach Experimental Chemistry during the reform of the University started by the Marquess of Pombal. it typifies the enlightenment ideal of pratical science education. Since 2006, it has housed some of the Science Museum's scientific collections, displayed in conjunction with interactive modules. It was awarded the Micheletti Prize in 2008.
One of the oldest Jesuit colleges in the world. Jesus College was essential in missionaries academic training, playing an important role is establishing links between Europe, Africa, Brazil and Asia. After the Jesuit Company was expelled from Portugal in 1759, the College became the centre of the Pombaline Reformation, and was remodelled to incorporate the new Natural Philosophy and Mathematics Faculties.
The Cabinet of Physics arose due to the transfer to Coimbra of the Experimental Physics Department of the Royal College of Nobles in Lisbon. This Cabinet was classified as a Historic Site by the European Physical Society in 2016.
The Natural History Gallery hosts collections of items brought back from Africa, Goa and Brazil during the so-called "philosophical journeys" made in the 19th century by the Portuguese Empire, sponsored by the Crown.
Gallery
© Universidade de Coimbra / Felippe Vaz © Universidade de Coimbra / Felippe Vaz © Universidade de Coimbra / Felippe Vaz
Know before you go
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessibleFully accessible, with accessible WCs on site.
Tickets that include this space
- Self-guided3h
Joanina Library + University + Science Museum
The full story in one ticket: the gilded Joanina at your timed slot, the Royal Palace and Chapel, and the Science Museum circuit across the hill.
Price on requestper person
- Self-guided2h30
University + Science Museum
The Royal Palace, St Michael's Chapel and the full Science Museum circuit — seven centuries of teaching, minus the queue for the library.
Price on requestper person
- Self-guided3h
Science Museum + UC Exploratório
A full day of science on both sides of the river — 18th-century instruments and cabinets uptown, hands-on experiments and the planetarium down by the water.
Price on requestper person






