Pavilion of Knowledge
In Carrilho da Graça's former Expo '98 pavilion, the country's largest science centre, with hundreds of hands-on exhibits.
Pavilion of Knowledge – Ciência Viva Science Centre
In Parque das Nações, the Pavilion of Knowledge – Ciência Viva Science Centre occupies the building that, during the 132 days of Expo '98, was the Pavilion of the Knowledge of the Seas, one of the exhibition's most visited themed pavilions, with more than two and a half million visitors. The architectural design is by the practice of João Luís Carrilho da Graça, who won the FAD Jury Grand Prize in Barcelona for it in 1999; the original exhibition design was by the ARX Portugal studio. On 25 July 1999 the building reopened as a science centre, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, António Guterres, and the Minister for Science and Technology, José Mariano Gago, after whom the square where it stands is named. Run by Ciência Viva – the National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture, it is the largest science centre in the country and is devoted to communicating science and technology through large themed exhibitions on physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology and the social sciences and hundreds of interactive exhibits, together with activities in the laboratory and the kitchen-laboratory, talks with researchers, themed days, films and theatre. Exhibitions currently on show include Explora, Fishanário, TCHARAN! and Women in Science, and from 24 October 2026 the new FLORESTA: Uma Experiência de Raiz.
Located at: Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Centro Ciência Viva
Address: Largo José Mariano Gago, 1, Parque das Nações, 1990-073 Lisboa
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 10:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30); Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 10:00-19:00 (last admission 18:30); closed on Mondays and on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January
Phone: +351 218 917 100
Coordinates: 38.7624, -9.09555
Buses: 728, 26B
Metro: Oriente (Red), Cabo Ruivo (Red)
Train: Azambuja Line, Lisboa Oriente Station
Opened: 1999 (27 years)
