Museu de Ciências e Tecnologia da PUCRS
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MCT-PUCRS Science Museum Porto Alegre

4.8
·2k reviews·, Brazil

An interactive science museum in Porto Alegre, offering hands-on experiments and engaging exhibits for all ages.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Avoid school tours

CrowdMedium
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Museu de Ciências e Tecnologia da PUCRS

MCT-PUCRS Science Museum Porto Alegre

Best Time

Weekends

Avoid school tours

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An interactive science museum in Porto Alegre, offering hands-on experiments and engaging exhibits for all ages.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"It is a fantastic place to visit, it is a large museum with works and sculptures out of the ordinary."

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TIP

🚗 Parking Costs

Parking can be pricey (around R$20 for 3-4 hours). Plan accordingly or consider alternative transport.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for Kids

This museum is fantastic for children, with many interactive 'science toys' and games.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Science Experiments

Interactive Science Experiments

Engage with hands-on exhibits that make learning about physics, mechanics, and more fun for all ages.

Human Body & Energy Sections

Human Body & Energy Sections

Explore detailed sections on the human body, energy, and sound that captivate both children and adults.

Fossil Displays

Fossil Displays

Discover permanent fossil displays that offer a glimpse into prehistoric life and ancient ecosystems.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking & Admission Fees

Be aware of parking fees, which can be around R$20 for a few hours. Adult admission is R$30, with student discounts available. Consider this when budgeting for your visit.

Outdated Exhibits & Interactive Fun

While some exhibits are dated, the museum excels with interactive science experiments, especially for younger visitors. Manage expectations for cutting-edge displays.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Avoid school tours
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer school groups
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

What to see in Porto Alegre?

🚗 Parking Costs

Parking can be pricey (around R$20 for 3-4 hours). Plan accordingly or consider alternative transport. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for Kids

This museum is fantastic for children, with many interactive 'science toys' and games. Reddit

⏳ Lose Track of Time

The exhibits are so interesting, you might spend a whole afternoon here learning and playing. Reddit

🍽️ On-Campus Dining

Consider lunch at one of the PUCRS restaurants, like the one in Building 40. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Costs

Parking can be pricey (around R$20 for 3-4 hours). Plan accordingly or consider alternative transport. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for Kids

This museum is fantastic for children, with many interactive 'science toys' and games. Reddit

⏳ Lose Track of Time

The exhibits are so interesting, you might spend a whole afternoon here learning and playing. Reddit

🍽️ On-Campus Dining

Consider lunch at one of the PUCRS restaurants, like the one in Building 40. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Re-entry Allowed

You can leave and come back the same day, so plan for a longer visit or a break. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The MCT-PUCRS Science Museum is a highly recommended spot, especially for families, offering a wealth of interactive science exhibits that are both fun and educational. While some visitors note that certain displays feel dated, the engaging nature of the hands-on activities and the helpful staff make it a place where you can easily spend an enjoyable afternoon learning about various scientific fields.

"Firstly, you pay $30 for adults and $15 for students. Also, $20 for parking if you stay around 3 to 4 hours (borderline ridiculous!). Secondly, it's called a museum of sciences and technology, but the forgot to add "20 years ago" to the name. I literally have been to the museum 20 years ago and it is 90% the same... Very disappointing for an institution that is incredibly rich. It's administration abandoned the place, which has 20% of the exposition with an "out of order sign" and outdated knowledge, for example, the tongue flavour region, which has been debunked for ages. Nothing is new or amazingly interesting.
Most interactive stands are good old physics or mechanics based. If you're under 10, it's awesome because you can touch stuff. If you're an adult, it's sadly outdated. I still cannot believe that they haven't changed most of it from 20 years ago. That's irresponsible. They should keep up with new technology and science knowledge that is always being updated. So, yes, take the kids, but then write an email to the administration asking for them to stop sipping martinis, get their act together and fix that museum. It's a great place and this town deserves to have it.

In summary, I was disappointed because I grew up going to that museum and could see the decline of it. You may not think it's that bad, besides the parking, which is not fair.

I recommend going once... and that's it."

Max Will

"one of the most amazing museums I have ever been in Brazil. It's guaranteed fun. You can go either alone or take the children with you. Lots of science toys, games and plays. I do recommend it."

Rodrigo Gonzalez

"It is a fantastic place to visit, it is a large museum with works and sculptures out of the ordinary, with a lot of history, I liked the place where they explain the lives of many renowned people in Brazil, each section very interesting, science, technological advances and the interactive part, in a more playful way, is very entertaining. I was surprised with this place. A great opportunity and environment to teach them different aspects of science with fun interactive experiments. The sections of the human body, energy and sound are very complete arouses the interest of children, young people and adults. The museum is spectacular, with many areas of knowledge and interaction. Everything is very well exposed, you can see the interest of encouraging young students in science, and the challenge lies in understanding what has been exposed, the objective is very well achieved, and there are many well-instructed and well-disposed personnel to teach. Place opens your mind, you lose track of time because everything that is there is too interesting. You can spend a pleasant afternoon and learning how many of the exact sciences work, it is charming and very funny, it is very worth it, in fact it is highly recommended it is an unavoidable visit"

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What People Like

Highly interactive exhibits
Great for children
Engaging learning experience

What People Dislike

Outdated exhibits
Parking fees

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located within the PUCRS campus. You can reach it by public transport, with several bus lines stopping near the university. Driving is also an option, with parking available on campus, though it incurs a fee. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available on the PUCRS campus. However, be aware that there is a fee, which some visitors find to be on the higher side for the duration of a visit. Reddit

Several bus lines serve the PUCRS campus. It's advisable to check local transport apps or websites for the most convenient routes from your starting point in Porto Alegre. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Adult admission is R$30, and there are discounted rates for students. It's always a good idea to check the official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

Yes, student discounts are typically offered. While not explicitly stated in all reviews, the museum is highly recommended for children, suggesting it's family-friendly. Reddit

Information on advance online ticket purchases is not widely available in reviews. It's recommended to check the official MCT-PUCRS Science Museum website or contact them directly for booking options. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, and it's best to consult the official MCT-PUCRS Science Museum website for the most up-to-date information on days and times of operation. Reddit

Yes, visitors can leave and re-enter the museum on the same day, which is convenient if you plan to have lunch on campus or take a break. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum features a mix of permanent fossil displays and numerous interactive science experiments focusing on physics, mechanics, the human body, energy, and sound. Reddit+1

Yes, a significant part of the museum's appeal lies in its interactive exhibits, which are particularly engaging for children and offer a playful way to learn. Reddit+1

While incredibly fun for children, adults can also enjoy the interactive elements and learn about scientific concepts. Some reviews note that certain exhibits might feel dated to adults, but the overall experience is still highly recommended. Reddit+1

Yes, there are often well-instructed and well-disposed personnel available to assist visitors and explain the exhibits, enhancing the learning experience. Reddit

Many visitors find they can spend a whole afternoon here, losing track of time due to the engaging nature of the exhibits. It's a place where you can learn and play for hours. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While specific dining facilities within the museum itself aren't detailed, the museum is part of the PUCRS campus, which offers dining options. Reddit

It's recommended to have lunch at one of the restaurants on the PUCRS campus, such as the one located in Building 40, for convenience. Reddit

Information regarding outside food and drinks is not readily available in reviews. It's best to check the museum's policies or contact them directly. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed in most museum areas, especially for personal use. However, it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or displays. Reddit

The interactive exhibits themselves, especially those involving light, motion, or vibrant displays, tend to be visually appealing. The human body and energy sections also offer interesting visual elements. Reddit

Flash photography is often discouraged or prohibited in museums to protect exhibits. It's best to use natural light or check for signage regarding flash usage. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The MCT-PUCRS Science Museum is a highly recommended destination for families with children. The abundance of interactive science experiments, games, and plays ensures that kids will be entertained and engaged for hours. Sections like the human body, energy, and sound are particularly captivating for younger minds. Reddit+1

To make the most of your family visit, consider going on weekends to avoid school tours that can make the museum crowded. The ability to leave and re-enter on the same day is also a plus, allowing for breaks or lunch at one of the PUCRS campus restaurants. While some exhibits might be dated, the sheer fun and educational value of the interactive displays make it a worthwhile outing. Reddit

🤔 Budget-Conscious Travelers

For travelers mindful of their budget, be aware of the admission fees (R$30 for adults, with student discounts) and the parking costs, which can add up. While the museum offers significant value through its interactive exhibits, the parking fee of around R$20 for a few hours might be a deterrent. Reddit

To save money, consider utilizing public transport to reach the museum, as bus routes serve the PUCRS campus. You can also pack snacks or plan to eat at more affordable campus dining options rather than external restaurants. Despite these costs, many find the experience to be highly recommended and worth the investment for a day of learning and fun. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Interactive Experience

The MCT-PUCRS Science Museum truly shines with its emphasis on interactive exhibits. These aren't just static displays; they are hands-on opportunities for visitors of all ages to engage directly with scientific principles. From classic physics demonstrations to explorations of the human body and energy, the museum aims to make learning playful and memorable. Many reviews highlight how children are captivated by these 'science toys' and games, making it a fantastic destination for families. Reddit+1

While some visitors note that certain exhibits might feel a bit dated, the core of the interactive experience remains strong. The museum's goal is to spark curiosity and encourage an understanding of how exact sciences work. The presence of well-instructed personnel further enhances this, offering guidance and explanations that deepen the learning process. This focus on active participation is what sets it apart and makes it a recommended visit for those seeking an engaging educational outing. Reddit

Navigating the Exhibits and Potential Drawbacks

The museum boasts a variety of sections, including permanent fossil displays and detailed explorations of topics like the human body, energy, and sound. These areas are designed to be comprehensive and arouse interest across different age groups. The sheer breadth of knowledge presented ensures that there's something to capture everyone's attention, making it easy to lose track of time. Reddit

However, a recurring point in reviews is the perception of outdated knowledge or technology in some parts of the museum. Some exhibits haven't been updated in years, leading to a feeling of stagnation for those familiar with the museum's past. This can be disappointing for an institution with such potential. Despite these criticisms, the consensus is that the museum is still a valuable and enjoyable place to visit, especially for its interactive elements and its role in encouraging young students in science. Reddit+1

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