The Terrado Vivo of the Museum of Natural Sciences has reopened its doors after 2 years of renovation and refurbishment. It is one of the largest gardens in Barcelona dedicated to the observation of climate change and Mediterranean flora.
7,100m2 can be visited from now on in which there is a Mediterranean meadow, five freshwater ponds and a hotel for bees and pollinating insects, among other sections.
What’s in the Terrado Vivo of the Museum of Natural Sciences?
The space is divided into 3 large areas:
Mesocosmos Experimental Area.
This area houses hexagonal dome-shaped structures that simulate a 2 °C temperature increase, allowing scientists to study how soils and their microbial communities respond to climate change.
With these controlled conditions, early signs of ecological imbalances are analyzed, anticipating how global warming will affect the coming years.
The project, promoted by several research centers and awarded by the Barcelona City Council and “la Caixa” Foundation, combines citizen science and experimental data to improve the resilience of urban ecosystems.
Mediterranean of the World” Garden
Inspired by the Botanical Garden of Barcelona, this space presents a sample of flora from the five regions of the world with a Mediterranean climate: the Mediterranean basin, California, Chile, South Africa and Australia.
These areas, although geographically distant, share similar adaptations to the dry and hot climate, and are home to enormous biological diversity with high levels of endemism. This section seeks to raise awareness of the need to conserve these ecosystems, which account for 20% of the world’s known biodiversity.
Mediterranean Meadow, Balsas and Insect Hotel
In this area, the existing biodiversity has been enhanced by planting more than 1,500 shrub species, many of them melliferous, which attract pollinating insects.
Two of the five water ponds have been renaturalized to promote sustainable aquatic habitats. In addition, an insect hotel has been installed to provide refuge for beneficial species, contributing to the ecological balance of the environment. This combination of actions transforms the rooftop into a true haven of urban biodiversity.
How to visit Barcelona’s Terrado Vivo?
To go up to this terrace you can do it any day during the opening hours of the museum.
The Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona opens its doors with a schedule adapted to the seasons. From October to February, you can visit from Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturdays until 7 pm, and Sundays and holidays until 8 pm.
From March to September, the museum extends its opening hours on weekdays and Saturdays until 7 p.m., while Sundays and holidays are open until 8 p.m.
However, the Terrado Vivo has its own hours. From October to February, weekends are open from 11 am to 3 pm. From March to September, weekends also from 11 am to 3 pm, and Sunday afternoons until 8 pm.
Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month all day and every Sunday of the year from 3 pm. Normal admission to the museum costs 6 euros, and reduced admission costs 2.70 euros.