The Hospital da Bonecada® returns to the Central Plaza of the Centro Comercial Colombo to celebrate its 25th edition, taking place from April 24 to May 5, 2026, open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with free admission.
Organized by the NOVA Medical School Student Union, the project will involve more than 1,200 volunteers and is expected to welcome around 4,000 children.
Inspired by the Teddy Bear® concept, developed by the European Medical Students Association, Hospital da Bonecada® is a model hospital where children are invited to bring their stuffed toys and explore different healthcare areas, such as the operating room, dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy, and nursing. This playful and educational experience aims to help reduce the so-called White Coat Syndrome.
Under the theme “The Child and Dreams”, the 2026 edition encourages children to explore and develop their dreams, fostering imagination, confidence, and awareness of their own potential.
To mark the project’s 25th anniversary, this edition will also feature mass training sessions in pediatric Basic Life Support (BLS), aimed at parents and educators and held during weekends, as well as a memory exhibition celebrating the history and impact of the initiative.