Pavilhão da Água

Originally built for Expo ’98 in Lisbon, the Pavilhão da Água found a new home here in Porto’s Parque da Cidade. It’s more than just a building. It’s an interactive journey into the world of water. The Pavilhão da Água first made a splash in Lisbon at Expo ’98. The theme was “The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future”. The building itself is a work of art, designed by architects Alexandre Burmester and José Carlos Gonçalves. It almost seems to hover in the air. Inside, the Pavilhão da Água isn’t just about looking. It’s about doing. You can create your own music, see 3D images through optical illusions, and watch fish swim in a giant aquarium. You can even witness the formation of a tornado and a cyclone. And learn about the different stages of the water cycle. The Pavilhão da Água wants you to understand how precious water is. It’s been managed by Águas do Porto since 2011. They’ve made sure this isn’t just a museum piece. It’s a living, breathing testament to the importance of water. The Pavilhão da Água underwent a major renovation in 2017 and reopened in 2019. It’s now an even more immersive and engaging experience. The exhibits explore the urban water cycle. And highlight the crucial role of Águas do Porto in managing this vital resource. In 2023, the Pavilhão da Água added new interactive exhibits focusing on energy transition and efficient energy consumption. It’s a reminder that our relationship with water is closely tied to our use of energy. The Pavilhão da Água has evolved over the years. But its core mission has remained the same: to educate and inspire about the wonders of water. It continues to be a beacon of scientific learning in Porto. It’s a place where science comes alive.