At the Museu da Vida Fiocruz, topics in natural science meet historic architecture, experiments, and theater. Admission is free. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 to 16:30 and Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00. As opening hours may change, check the times before your visit.

Hands-on Science

Parque da Ciência has an open area of about 2,400 square meters and a covered area for additional activities. Its installations are organized around three main themes: energy, communication, and the organization of life. This structure gives the activities a thematic framework rather than presenting them as independent stations.

Visitors can climb inside a giant cell and convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The Pirâmide explores microscopic and macroscopic life: visitors take part in experiments and activities and can play games. The offerings range from hands-on physical exploration to playful engagement with different scales of life.

Historic Buildings, Paths, and Theater

The Museu da Vida Fiocruz was founded in 1999 as part of the Casa de Oswaldo Cruz. The Cavalariça is one of the historic buildings in the Núcleo Arquitetônico Histórico de Manguinhos (NAHM). As well as scientific topics, the history of the buildings and the institution are also points of interest for visitors.

The Tenda da Ciência Virginia Schall hosts theater performances about historical and current topics in science and health. Visitors interested in the connection between culture and research will find a different approach here than in the experiments at Parque da Ciência. The museum's visitor offerings also include historic-ecological trails.

The Borboletário is a space dedicated to the butterflies' habitat. During visits, educators and biologists can accompany visitors on a tour about the life cycle and behavior of the butterflies found there. The space is currently temporarily closed for improvement work; do not plan it as a currently accessible stop, and check its status before visiting.

Exhibitions and Changing Program Highlights

The exhibition “Pombal: do mangue ao mundo” was scheduled to be shown at the Pombal in September 2026. It explores the connections between science, territory, and the environment. Another exhibition in the September program, “Vida e Saúde: Relações (In)visíveis,” was on view in the Cavalariça. It explores the complexity of health across 14 modules. These program highlights are time-specific; check which exhibitions will be on view during your visit before you travel.

If you're considering accommodation in Manguinhos, the Museu da Vida Fiocruz offers a specific cultural and scientific focus for planning your trip. Plan your visit around the opening hours and the exhibitions and activities that interest you most.

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