Manguinhos

A good starting point for exploring Manguinhos is Museu da Vida Fiocruz. There, science comes to life through interactive activities, historic buildings, trails, and theater. For families who want to try things together and explore a range of topics, the museum offers several points of interest—from energy and communication to life on a small and large scale.

Admission is free. The official visitor information dated September 9, 2026, lists opening hours as 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Hours may change; check the current schedule before your visit.

Hands-on science

Parque da Ciência has an open area of about 2,400 square meters and a covered area for additional activities. Its installations are organized around three main themes: energy, communication, and the organization of life. Visitors can climb inside a giant cell and convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The Pirâmide offers a different focus: its experiments and activities explore microscopic and macroscopic life, and include games.

These activities offer different ways to experience science: at Parque da Ciência, topics such as energy and communication sit alongside a large walk-in cell, while the Pirâmide brings together experiments about life at different scales. Historic and ecological trails are also among the museum’s visitor areas. This allows you to add a nature walk to your museum visit without committing to a particular route.

Historic buildings, theater, and exhibitions

Museu da Vida Fiocruz was founded in 1999 as part of Casa de Oswaldo Cruz. The Cavalariça is one of the historic buildings of the Núcleo Arquitetônico Histórico de Manguinhos (NAHM). Tenda da Ciência Virginia Schall hosts theatrical performances on historical and contemporary topics related to science and health. Architecture and culture offer additional perspectives alongside the interactive science activities.

The official visitor program for September 2026 listed the exhibition “Pombal: do mangue ao mundo” at the Pombal. It explores connections between science, territory, and the environment. That same month, the exhibition “Vida e Saúde: Relações (In)visíveis” was presented at the Cavalariça: its 14 modules address health in all its complexity. Exhibitions and programs may change; check the latest information before visiting.

Nature as part of the visitor experience

The Borboletário is a space dedicated to the lives of butterflies, but it is currently closed temporarily for improvement work. The visitor experience there includes tours in which educators and biologists introduce visitors to the life cycle and behavior of the butterflies found there. If this part of the museum is important to your plans, check in advance whether visits have resumed.

Which vacation rental suits your travel plans?

When choosing a vacation rental in Manguinhos, you can first consider whether Museu da Vida Fiocruz will be the main focus of your trip or whether you also want to explore other aspects of Rio de Janeiro during your stay. The museum offers interactive activities, historic architecture, theater, and nature trails; its exhibitions sometimes feature changing themes. The topics that interest you most can help you align your travel plans with your choice of destination.

More to explore in the wider destination of Rio de Janeiro

For a broader trip around Rio de Janeiro, Parque Nacional da Tijuca offers a nature experience of its own. It is divided into four sectors: Floresta da Tijuca, Serra da Carioca, Pedra da Gávea/Pedra Bonita, and Covanca/Pretos Forros. Possible visitor activities in the park include walks, hikes, swimming in waterfalls, and observing species of the Atlantic Forest. Cristo Redentor is also located within the park and offers panoramic views across the city. These destinations are part of the wider destination of Rio de Janeiro and should be distinguished from the activities described in Manguinhos.

Discover more destinations: Barra Do Piraí, Belford Roxo, Sapucaia, Niterói, Natividade, Valença, Angra Dos Reis, Lumiar.

For the broader travel overview: Rio De Janeiro.