iMuseu Nacional de História Natural e da CiênciaPríncipe Real
ANTROPO(CÉNICO) – In the Time of Humans
Long-term installation on humanity's impact on the planet: 90 mammals from around the globe fill the room, tracing transformation and loss from the fossil record to today.
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You walk in and run straight into a wall of animals built into one big cylinder. About 90 mammals face outwards, so whichever way you circle it, something stares back: a European lynx mid-leap, a Kodiak bear with its claws out, a black wolf with its mouth open as if howling. Público's reporter found the gazes so direct they seem to be questioning you. It's the only spot in Príncipe Real where you're the one being people-watched.
That stare is the point. The pale, whitish room is built around the question of what humans have changed, tracing transformation and loss from the fossil record to today. It raises the possibility of a new extinction, then points to other possible futures. The museum's own line: we are part of this story, and also its consequence.
It's a long-term installation, covered by the museum ticket: €6, €15 for a family, free for ages 2 to 10, and free for everyone on Sundays from 10:00 to 13:00. Closed Mondays.
Look for
The cylinder of animals
Around 90 mammals from different parts of the globe stand stacked into one central drum, all facing outwards, so you keep circling to see them.
The leaping lynx
Look for the European lynx caught in mid-jump on the face of the cylinder.
The Kodiak bear
A Kodiak bear stands with its claws out, staring straight at whoever walks round.
The black wolf
Find the black wolf with its mouth open, posed as if howling.
Good for
- Cheap Culture
- Rainy Days
With kids
Children aged 2 to 10 go free, and a family ticket for two adults with children under 17 is €15.
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Image credits
9
- ANTROPO(CÉNICO) – In the Time of HumansCourtesy of Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência
- Arpad Szenes: Collection Highlights (Third Exhibition Cycle 2026)Courtesy of Fundação Arpad Szenes – Vieira da Silva
- Tragedy and Farce: Júlio Pomar and Gabriel AbrantesCourtesy of Atelier-Museu Júlio Pomar
- The Eternal Ark – Fernando Pessoa and PosterityGualdimG / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Museu Nacional de História Natural e da CiênciaJoaomartinho63 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Casa-Museu Medeiros e AlmeidaRedpill 87 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Fundação Arpad Szenes – Vieira da SilvaJnpoJuwan / Wikimedia Commons, CC0
- Atelier-Museu Júlio PomarGualdimG / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Casa Fernando PessoaLijealso / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0