National Museum of Natural History and Science

The MUHNAC / Museums of the University of Lisbon aims to promote curiosity and public understanding of nature and science, bringing the University closer to Society. This mission is achieved through the valorization of its collections and the university heritage, research, organization of exhibitions, conferences and other scientific, educational, cultural and leisure activities.

The Museums are a Specialized Unit of the University of Lisbon, constituted by MUHNAC - National Museum of Natural History and Science in the area of Principe Real (Rua da Escola Politécnica), integrating the Lisbon Botanical Garden and the Astronomical Observatory of Lisbon (in Tapada da Ajuda, near the Institute of Agronomy).

The Museum supports research and teaching in the fields of zoology and anthropology, botany, mineralogy and geology, and other natural sciences and encourages the study and dissemination of the history of science and technology, contributing to the scientific and cultural education of students in these fields..

The museum also assumes a responsibility extended to the national context, regarding the conservation and study of biological and geological collections and historical and scientific cultural heritage, establishing partnerships for the valorisation and use of museum collections and the heritage of Lisbon University and other institutions.