The UFMG Museum of Natural History and Botanic Garden is a fascinating cultural institution with an extensive collection of native and exotic plants. Monkeys, cotias and other local creatures roam freely on the pretty grounds of the vast complex that contains exhibits on minerals, physics and animals. Get a comprehensive understanding of the principal aspects of natural history from the variety of permanent exhibits in this museum.
Enter the Archeological Exhibition for the stone materials, ceramics and rock paintings by the indigenous people of the Minas Gerais region. Learn the fascinating history of mapping in the Exhibition Center of Historical Cartography section.
Among the highlights of the museum is the Exhibition Interactive Space of Life Sciences, whose seven themed rooms teach kids about the human body. Study the impressive displays in the sections on paleontology and mineralogy. The museum also puts on temporary exhibits on specific themes.
Wander through the grounds and bring food for a picnic by the lake. See turtles, fish and water birds in the lake. Explore the Sensory Garden Exhibition to stimulate your senses with its pleasant aromas, tastes, textures and sounds. Check the schedule of the planetarium for opportunities to view the evening sky through the site’s telescopes.
The complex has a cantina serving food and drink. Visit the Pipiripau Presépio for the display of movable figures that interpret the legends of Jesus Christ.
Note that the museum opens Wednesday through Sunday from morning until late afternoon for non-school visits. You may be able to schedule a group tour on Tuesdays. There’s a fee to enter the museum. Get free entrance for young kids and seniors.
Find the UFMG Museum of Natural History and Botanic Garden in the Cidade Nova district in the northeastern part of Belo Horizonte. Ride a bus to a nearby stop or take the metro to the Santa Inês station, a little south of the museum. Go to some of the other nearby attractions, such as Nova Vida Baptist Church and Campo do Grota park.
