Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center — Attraction in Horta

The location and architecture are stunning! Unfortunately parts of the museum/interpretation center are closed, yet no mention of that when you buy the ticket. Several exhibits are broken, the introductory movie stutters and is quite dated. Some parts are a bit dirty. Generally badly managed (broken TVs, etc. are just a sign of nobody caring for this amazing space). Quite sad. The "temporary" exhibition is unchanged from my last visit 4 years ago.

Given climbing the lighthouse is 1€. And the museum is currently 8€. Consider paying for the lighthouse and skipping the museum. The museum foyer is the most impressive part architecturally and is free of charge and double nice when enjoyed with a little refreshment...

Very interesting and well worth a visit to give context to the events that created the surrounding landscape as well as the island group in general. Great collection of volcanic formations on display. Free to use the toilets and refreshment cafe though there is a charge to tour the centre's displays, including a 3D film. The charge does include entry to climb the lighthouse. Amazing building, looks like a James Bond villains lair when you step inside and nice and cool to sit in. It's "underground", or really under the layers deposited by the eruption that formed the island and some of gallery walls are actually the buries lower storeys of...

Compared to other visitor centers in the Azores I need to say this one was rather underwhelming. It tries to be something really good, but the whole organisation is a bit haphazard, there is no concept and the moovie in the auditorium is just a bunch of nice drone footage about the islands without any real knowledge or story told. I’d just skip tha auditorium and go straight to watch the other film in the exhibition. There is a nice interactive sand playground towards the end, check it out if you are with kids or just want to...