Instituto Butantan Museum

Address: Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500 - Butantã, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Website: https://www.butantan.gov.br/

Hours: Museum and visitor centre hours vary; commonly Tue-Sun 9:00am-5:00pm

Admission: Museum and serpentarium entry: often small fee (varies); check official site

Instituto Butantan is a biomedical research and public health institution in São Paulo, Brazil, founded in 1901 and renowned for venom research and the production of antivenoms and biologicals. It combines active research laboratories with public museums and a serpentarium.

The institute’s public areas include a large serpentarium where visitors see live snakes and other reptiles, museum exhibits on venom and immunology, and guided education displays about vaccine and antivenom production. Many visitors come for the combination of scientific outreach and live-animal displays.

Established in the early 20th century to study venomous animals and produce antivenoms, the institute has played a pivotal role in Brazil’s public health responses to envenomation and infectious disease. Over the decades it has expanded its research portfolio and public education programs.

Instituto Butantan occupies a campus in the Butantã district in western São Paulo city, adjacent to academic and urban neighborhoods and accessible from central São Paulo.

• Founding and role: Founded in 1901, the institute is internationally known for venom research and antivenom production and combines laboratories with public education facilities.

What to See#

• Serpentarium: A large live collection of venomous snakes and other reptiles used for research, education and public viewing; this serpentarium is a key attraction in the institute’s public area.
• Museums and public exhibits: A public museum and exhibition complex that explains venom research, vaccine and antivenom production and the institute’s history; displays include preserved specimens and educational exhibits.
• Research and production facilities: Operational laboratories and production facilities where antivenoms and biological products are researched and manufactured for public health use in Brazil.

Instituto Butantan is in western São Paulo (Butantã district). Take Line 4 (Yellow) of the São Paulo metro to Butantã station and then a short taxi or bus ride, or drive via Marginal Pinheiros and local avenues; parking is available on site.

• Book the guided tour of the serpentarium in advance-limited spaces and language options can fill up.
• Combine a visit with the municipal park and the adjacent São Paulo zoo for a full day of outdoor science and nature.
• Mind opening hours around national holidays; some labs close for staff training.