Inaugurated at Expo '98, the Water Pavilion has established itself as a benchmark space for scientific dissemination and environmental education in the city of Porto.
Pavilhão da Água was one of the most visited spaces at Expo '98 – the Lisbon World Exposition, dedicated to the theme "The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future".
Built by Unicer – Bebidas de Portugal and later donated to the Porto City Council, the Pavilhão da Água was moved to the City Park, near the North entrance (Estrada da Circunvalação). It reopened to the public on December 28, 2002, establishing itself since then as a reference space for the dissemination of scientific and technological knowledge dedicated to water resources, with a strong interactive component.
Until 2010, the Pavilhão da Água was managed by the Science and Development Foundation, a private non-profit institution founded in 1995 under an agreement between the Porto City Council and the University of Porto. In January 2011, management was transferred to Águas do Porto, EEM, under a management contract signed with the Porto City Council, the owner of this municipal facility.
Initially conceived to exist for only three months, the Pavilhão da Água has extended its mission over the years, establishing itself as a space dedicated to environmental education and raising awareness about the importance of water resources. With more than 18 years of activity in the city of Porto, it has become a true landmark.
Interactivity is key. At the Pavilhão da Água, visitors are invited to actively participate in a great scientific adventure through the fascinating world of water. It is a space of scientific and technological culture where science comes to life, serves the public, encourages observation, and promotes learning through interactive, dynamic, and engaging modules.
The vast array of available exhibits demonstrates the importance of water for life, the different environments in which it is present, its multiple uses, and its behavior in various situations. This content brings the scientific and technological aspects of water resources closer to the concerns and interests of the average citizen.
In 2023, the Pavilhão da Água was enriched with new interactive educational content focused on the energy transition and the efficient consumption of electricity. These new modules brought a new energy to the space, providing visitors with a renewed, up-to-date, and even more relevant experience.