The Natural History Museum is located behind the National Palace
The fantastic collection of Sintra's small Natural History Museum was acquired over a period of 50 years by just one man, Miguel Barbosa. In 2009, this Lisbon writer and painter with a passion for fossils and rocks decided to offer everyone the opportunity to see and learn from his pieces, and this museum was opened. It occupies a remodeled building from 1893 that was once the local market, located just a few feet behind the Sintra National Palace.
The collection has pieces found all over the world
It displays rare dinosaur eggs, a gigantic shark tooth, beautiful minerals, meteorites, and the world's only example of a flying reptile (found in Brazil, still completely intact), the Braseodactylus sp. In total there are over 10,000 pieces from all over the world, from Asia to Europe and Latin America.
Rare dinosaur eggs
With just two rooms, the museum is quite small, but the collection has an extraordinary cultural and scientific value. Joining the permanent displays are temporary exhibitions, a cafeteria and a shop.
Entrance to the Natural History Museum, which is a former market.
This museum will actually appeal to people of all ages, including children. It’s a great way to understand the formation of Planet Earth, its primitive periods, and the changes it underwent over the course of millions of years. Everything is well displayed and labeled.
Visiting the Sintra Natural History Museum
The museum is open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays, and from noon to 6pm on weekends. The last visitor is admitted one hour before closing time.
How to Get to the Sintra Natural History Museum
The Sintra Natural History Museum is located right behind the Sintra National Palace, about a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Rua do Paço, 20
Admission and Tickets to the Sintra Natural History Museum
Tickets to the Sintra Natural History Museum are just €1.00. It's not included in the Lisboa Card.
It’s closed on Mondays.
Attractions Nearby
In addition to the neighboring Sintra National Palace, from here you may also take just a few steps to the News Museum, and a short walk to Quinta da Regaleira.