Museum of Natural History and Science of the University of Porto

The Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP) is a university museum of nature and science in Porto, Portugal. Its headquarters occupy the historic Rectory building of the University of Porto on Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, right in the city centre. The collections have been growing since 1762, assembled over more than two and a half centuries for teaching and research.

What is MHNC-UP?

The institution was formally created at the end of 2015 by merging two bodies: the Museum of Natural History of the University of Porto and the Science Museum of the University, which belonged to the Faculty of Sciences. The merger brought natural specimens and the university's scientific heritage under one roof, giving older holdings a fresh context and a new way of speaking to the public.

What is in the collections?

The main site holds material from many fields: geology, palaeontology, zoology, archaeology and ethnography, botany (including the University of Porto Herbarium, abbreviated PO) and historic scientific instruments. Some items arrived as gifts from collectors, from specialists at the end of their careers, or from their families. Physics and chemistry are represented too, so visitors meet both natural specimens and traces of how the exact sciences developed.

What did the earlier museum look like?

The older Museum of Natural History, set up in 1996, was organised around four centres. On the first floor of the historic building sat the Montenegro de Andrade Mineralogy Hall, the Mendes Corrêa Archaeology and Anthropology Hall and the Wenceslau de Lima Palaeontology Room. The Augusto Nobre Zoology Hall occupied the third floor.

Is the museum open right now?

The core site is undergoing extensive refurbishment and has hosted temporary exhibitions since 2019. Before you go, check the official website, mhnc.up.pt, because what is open to visitors can change.

The museum also has a second facility: the Hall of Biodiversity, a Ciência Viva centre, together with the Porto Botanical Garden. It is a good option if you want to pair a museum visit with time among plants.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the museum? The headquarters are in the University of Porto Rectory building on Campo dos Mártires da Pátria.

How old are the collections? They have been gathered since 1762, while the present institution was formally established at the end of 2015.

What can I see? Specimens from geology, palaeontology, zoology, botany, archaeology and ethnography, plus material linked to physics and chemistry.

Is there anything beyond the Rectory building? Yes. The museum also includes the Hall of Biodiversity and the Porto Botanical Garden.

Who is a visit suited to? Nature lovers, people curious about the history of science, families with children, and anyone who wants to see Porto's academic side.