Manaus' Natural Science Museum covers about five acres, including a 200-ton aquarium, and is next to a further nine acres of forest. The museum gives visitors a chance to see some of the fish, insects and other animals that call the Amazon region home. In addition to the living specimens in the museum's aquarium, there are more than 240 stuffed fish and insects on display.
The Natural Science Museum isn't in downtown Manaus but in Bairro Cidade Nova. Plan on a 30-minute taxi ride to get there.
The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, though hours vary by day and season. It’s a good idea to call ahead of time to make sure the facility is open before you head out.
The museum was opened in 1988 by a Japanese scientist with a special interest in the region's butterflies. He privately funded the building of the museum, and remains its director.