Pavilhão da Água

Pavilhão da Água is a water museum in Porto, Portugal, set inside Parque da Cidade, the city's largest urban park. It tells the story of water through the senses rather than through dry display panels, which makes it a good stop for families and for curious adults alike.

What is the Pavilhão da Água?

The building has an interesting past. Architect Alexandre Burmester designed it as one of the thematic pavilions of Expo 98 in Lisbon. When the exhibition ended, the structure was dismantled and rebuilt in Porto, in Parque da Cidade. It is a neat example of exhibition architecture getting a second life in a different city.

Since 2011 the pavilion has been run by Águas do Porto, the city's water company. After renovation work it reopened on 23 March 2019.

What can you see inside?

The exhibition covers water resources, energy and science. The visit follows the course of a river from its source to its mouth, with the river serving as the guiding thread. Along the way you learn why water matters and what its properties and characteristics are. The whole thing is built as a multisensory experience, so you take part instead of just looking.

How to plan your visit

Opening hours depend on the season:

• November to March: Monday to Saturday, 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-17:30,
• April to October: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-17:30.

Note the midday break and the fact that the closing day changes between seasons. Check current hours and prices on the pavilion's official website before you go.

The pavilion sits in Parque da Cidade at roughly 41.1714 N, 8.6765 W. After your visit you can stroll through the park.

Bonus: Parque das Águas

A ticket to the Pavilhão da Água includes a guided visit to Parque das Águas. This open-air museum of Porto's water supply history stands at the headquarters of Águas e Energia do Porto, east of the centre, beside the Douro River. The terms of this offer may change, so confirm them when buying your ticket.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Pavilhão da Água? In Parque da Cidade in Porto, Portugal.

Was the pavilion part of Expo 98? Yes. It was originally one of the thematic pavilions of Expo 98 in Lisbon and was later moved to Porto.

Who runs it? Águas do Porto, since 2011.

When is it open? November to March Monday to Saturday, April to October Tuesday to Sunday, in both cases 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-17:30.

How long should I allow? The riverside route is compact, so the museum alone is usually a short visit. Add Parque das Águas and a walk in the park and it becomes half a day.

Is it suitable for children? The exhibition is interactive and multisensory, so it appeals to younger visitors, while adults will also find plenty to learn about water and energy.