Discover Madeira‘s rich cultural and historical heritage in our selection of the 9 best museums in Funchal. Whether you love art, history or tradition, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Between admiring treasures ofSacred Art, reliving the discovery of the island, and visiting ancient noble residences, we made beautiful discoveries that made our trip more authentic and meaningful!
Make the most of your visits with our tips and photos, and enjoy time with family, friends or even on your own.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Funchal’s best museums: tips
Discover our 9 favorite museums in Funchal: a journey through art, religion, history and local culture. Whether you prefer fun and games or more cultural and historical tours, there’s something for everyone!
For more inspiration, check out our article on must-do activities in the city!
If you only need to visit 3 museums, we recommend it:
- Musée d’Art Sacré (Museum of Sacred Art ): in addition to its rich collection of religious works, the museum boasts an outdoor terrace with breathtaking views over Funchal. It was a very pleasant visit.
- Musée de la Photographie (Museum of Photography ): we really liked this former photo workshop turned museum. There, we contemplated superb shots of the island and its inhabitants, and discovered ancient photographic techniques.
- Museo Frederico de Freitas: owned by the Counts of Calçada in the 17th century, and later by the collector Frederico de Freitas, this museum features period furniture and decorative objects from the local nobility. We loved exploring this old house!
Our map of Funchal’s best museums will help you find your way around the city:
1. Musée d’Art Sacré (viewpoint)
Why visit it? Our review
In our opinion, the Museum of Sacred Art is definitely worth a visit during your stay in Funchal. Housed in the former episcopal palace on Praça do Município, it boasts a varied collection of works related to religion. Here we saw sacred paintings, sculptures and silverware that bear witness to the archipelago’s religious history. The tour allows you to learn more about the importance of religion in local culture. We loved the outdoor terrace, decorated with azulejos, which offers a unique view of the city’s rooftops.
Our 3 favorite moments
During our visit, 3 moments particularly struck us:
- Incense boats, finely crafted religious works.
- The bas-reliefs in gilded polychrome wood transport us to another era.
- The outdoor terrace, with its wall covered in a magnificent azulejo, offers a breathtaking view over the rooftops of Funchal. What do you think?
Useful tips
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum and contemplate its magnificent view.
- To reach the entrance to the establishment, take Rua do Bispo in the old town.
- The museum is not easily accessible to people with reduced mobility. To reach the upper floors, use the stairs. However, there are access ramps and portable folding chairs.
- This tour is not particularly suitable for children.
- Price: €10 full price, free for children under 12.
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays.
- Book your museum ticket here!
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
2. Museum of Photography (Atelier Vincente’s)
Why visit it? Our review
Whether you’re a lover of fine photography or simply curious, we recommend a visit to the Madeira Museum of Photography. Housed in one of Portugal’s 2 oldest photography studios, we rediscovered the island through the eyes of its artists. Originally owned by Vicente Gomes da Silva in 1865, an engraver who made it his studio, it was transformed into a museum in 1982.
Atelier Vincente’s exhibits photographs that pay tribute to the beauty of Madeira and its people. They also trace the history of photography on the island, as does the rich collection of antique cameras, utensils and accessories. We learned more about period photographic techniques thanks to the reconstructed rooms.
Our 3 favorite moments
During our exploration, 3 moments particularly caught our attention:
- The mysterious daguerreotypes.
- Period dog portraits, both amusing and serious.
- Madeira photographs that immortalize the power of the natural elements.
Useful tips
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the old workshop.
- The museum is located in the heart of the old town.
- The official website states that the museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Find out more here.
- This is a fun tour to share with the whole family. Your kids can take a look behind a period lens, or discover photo workshop reconstructions!
- Price: €3 full price (cash only).
- Opening hours: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, closed Mondays and Sundays.
3. Frederico de Freitas Museum (old house)
Why visit it? Our review
Housed in a magnificent 17th-century property, the museum was originally the residence of the Counts of Calçada. This historic house was bought in the 1940s by Frederico de Freitas, a lawyer and art collector. We’d love to meet this enthusiast and learn the secrets of his fabulous collection!
Today, the Frederico de Freitas Museum exhibits works of art, antique furniture, porcelain, azulejos and decorative objects collected by its former owner. It is divided into 3 exhibition areas: the Casa de Entrada, the Casa de Calçada, and the Casa dos Azulejos. We particularly liked the Casa de Calçada, tastefully furnished and decorated, which lets you project yourself into another era. The Casa dos Azulejos’ glass roof and terrace overlooking Funchal also won us over! This museum offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the local nobility in the Baroque period.
Our 3 favorite moments
During our visit, we noted 3 key moments:
- Casa de Calçada, home to a superb collection of period furniture.
- La Casa dos Azulejos features a large glass roof and terrace overlooking the city’s rooftops.
- The small garden from which you can see the bell tower of Saint Peter’s Church.
Useful tips
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum.
- It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the town center, but the path is on a slight incline.
- The museum is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility. It’s divided into several houses, with narrow passageways and very small rooms. Casa dos Azulejos has an elevator, and small portable folding chairs are available.
- Unfortunately, photos are not allowed inside the museum.
- This is an enjoyable visit for the whole family. On the other hand, the museum guards are very attentive. Make sure your children don’t touch the furniture or artwork.
- Price: €3 full price (in cash), free for children under 12.
- Opening hours: 10am to 5:30pm Tuesday to Saturday, closed Mondays and Sundays.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
4. Quinta das Cruzes Museum (garden – viewpoint)
Why visit it? Our review
Nestled away from the old town, and just a 15-minute walk from the hypercentre, the Quinta das Cruzes Museum was officially opened to the public in 1953. Formerly known as the César Gomes Museum, it houses an extensive collection of decorative arts. Among the items on display were gold and silverware, Portuguese and English furniture, paintings, European and Oriental porcelain and terracotta sculptures.
César Filipe Gomes is not the only patron to have made a significant contribution to the museum’s collection. Austrian Hans Wetzler, who fled to Madeira around 1939 to escape the Second World War, also made a major contribution. After visiting the museum, enjoy the garden, which offers a view over the rooftops of Funchal. The site also features an archaeological zone, a small chapel, a fountain and a panoramic cafeteria.
Our 3 favorite moments
While visiting the museum, we loved 3 moments in particular:
- The dining room with its long wooden table dominated by a magnificent chandelier.
- The bedroom with its intimate atmosphere and large four-poster bed.
- Discover the garden with its archaeological zone, small chapel, fountain and panoramic cafeteria.
Useful tips
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum and garden.
- It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the town center, but the path is on a slight incline.
- The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility. It has a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
- This is an enjoyable visit for the whole family. Your children will probably be more interested in the garden than the museum.
- Price: €3 full price (cash), free for children.
- Opening hours: 10am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 5:30pm Tuesday to Saturday, closed Mondays and Sundays.
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
5. Monte Palace Madeira Museum (tropical garden)
Why visit it? Our review
Nestled in the Monte Palace Madeira, one of Madeira’s most beautiful gardens, the museum enjoys an exceptional natural setting. Divided into 3 levels, it houses sculptures on 2 floors, while the top floor houses a unique mineral collection. Entitled Mother Nature’s Secrets, it features over 300 semi-precious and precious stones. It showcases diamonds in both their rough and cut forms. We loved discovering these specimens from the 4 corners of the globe! The Passion Africaine exhibition highlights a group of contemporary sculptures made in Zimbabwe between 1966 and 1969.
Our 3 favorite moments
Here are the 3 things that caught our attention during our visit:
- African sculptures.
- The rich mineral collection.
- The extraordinary setting. We thought we were lost in the jungle!
Useful tips
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum, but you’ll need another 2h to 3h to explore the tropical garden too.
- Located in the grounds of the Monte Palace Madeira in the hills above Funchal, we recommend you take the cable car to reach the museum.
- Depart from the cable car on Funchal’s waterfront, arrive near the Church of Monte and follow the well-marked path to the garden. The climb takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
- The tropical garden may be difficult to access for people with reduced mobility. There are some steep slopes, but you can pay for a cart to take you to certain areas.
- Cable car fare: €12.50 one way or €18 round trip (with the option of a traditional toboggan ride back down).
- Cable car opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Garden entrance ticket: 15€.
- Garden opening hours: 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (the museum closes earlier).
- If you’re not comfortable taking the cable car, why not opt for a guided tuktuk tour of Monte Palace Madeira and other sites of interest in Funchal? – See prices, photos and availability.
6. 3D Fun Art Museum (optical illusions)
Why visit it? Our review
Not sure what to do with your kids in Funchal? Head for the 3D Fun Art Museum, which we highly recommend to families in search of fun and entertainment. It offers an original museum experience thanks to its trompe-l’œil decors and optical illusions. His varied stagings, ranging from scenes of everyday life to fantastical worlds, allow visitors to literally enter the paintings.
We came away with some really funny, offbeat shots! Young and old alike will enjoy taking extraordinary photos. This creative museum is a must-see for everyone. It promises to be a fun and humorous experience.
Our 3 favorite moments
Find our 3 favorite moments in this museum:
- Optical illusions that totally hypnotized us!
- The mirror that splits and multiplies reflections.
- The inverted part you can see in our photo below.
Useful tips
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum.
- It’s right in the center of town.
- The museum is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility. It has a sofa area to sit on, but we didn’t see an elevator and there are stairs.
- If you’d like to visit it on your own, you can rent a tripod at the reception desk to take photos with the right perspective and distance.
- This tour is ideal for the whole family. Your children will pose and become the heroes of fantastic scenes!
- Price: €11 full price for adults, €8 for children.
- Opening hours: 10 am to 7 pm daily.
- Reserve your tickets here!
7. Madeira Story Center (viewpoint)
Why visit it? Our review
The Madeira Story Center traces the archipelago’s history in a playful way, from its volcanic formation to its present-day development.. Although the museum lacks modernity, it gave us an insight into the evolution of the island over the centuries.
Touching on themes such as the discovery of Madeira, navigation, maritime trade, legends, pirate attacks and age-old customs, the tour explores in depth the identity and heritage of the archipelago. You’ll finish your visit upstairs, where you’ll find a panoramic restaurant. We loved the view over the orange roofs of Funchal!
Our 3 favorite moments
During our visit, we noted 3 key moments:
- Discovering the island thanks to advances in navigation.
- The history of Madeira wine.
- The view of Funchal and the cable car.
Useful tips
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum.
- It’s right in the historic center, opposite the Monte cable car.
- The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility. There’s an elevator.
- It’s a fun tour for the whole family. Here you’ll find short quizzes for children.
- The museum houses a perched restaurant, and a store where you can buy local products.
- Price: €5 full price (cash), €3 for children.
- Opening hours: 9am to 7pm daily.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
8. CR7 Museum (Cristiano Ronaldo)
Why visit it? Our review
The CR7 Museum traces Cristiano Ronaldo’s extraordinary career through the many trophies he has collected over the years. Although this tour may not be suitable for novices like us, it will appeal to soccer fans. You’ll plunge into the world of this global soccer idol, born on the island of Madeira. You’ll discover the story of this phenomenon, from its beginnings to its record-breaking achievements.
A multitude of items such as Golden Boots, Ballons d’Or, shirts, medals and other memorabilia are on display in a collection that is unique in the world. This museum pays tribute to one of the greatest players in history, who has become a sporting icon the world over! CR7 stands for Cristiano Ronaldo’s initials and player number.
Our 3 favorite moments
If you’re a soccer fan, you’ll love these trophies:
- Ballons d’Or.
- Golden Boots.
- Man of the match – Euro 2016.
Useful tips
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum.
- To reach the hotel, head west along the waterfront from the city center.
- The CR7 Museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility. There’s an elevator to the showroom.
- The visit will appeal to children who are fans of soccer or Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Price: €5 full price.
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
- Do you admire Cristiano Ronaldo’s career? Take a guided tour in the footsteps of the famous footballer through the city to the museum. – See prices, photos and availability.
9. Henrique and Francisco Franco Museum (free)
Why visit it? Our review
Inaugurated in 1987, this museum houses the works of brothers and artists Henrique and Francisco Franco. Pioneers of Portuguese modernism, they are both natives of the island. We plunged into their creative universe, and became aware of their major contribution to twentieth-century art. As we wandered through the collection, we discovered paintings, sculptures and engravings enhanced by the colorful walls.
During our visit to the museum, we particularly enjoyed discovering Francisco Franco’s evolving work. He would often start with a series of drawings, which would then give life to a sculpture. We were able to follow the artist’s creative path from initial sketch to final work.
Our 3 favorite moments
During our visit, we were impressed by..:
- Henrique Franco’s modernist portraits.
- Francisco Franco’s work, from drawing to sculpture.
- Henrique Franco’s painting The Black Hen.
Useful tips
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum.
- It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the town center, but the path is on a slight incline.
- The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility, but you need to inform the staff in advance so that they can suggest suitable solutions.
- The museum organizes events and workshops for children. Find out more here.
- Free admission.
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Other museums and cultural venues in Funchal
Throughout the city, you’ll discover other museums and cultural venues, including..:
Other museums
- Madeira Military Museum: housed in the Palais de São Lourenço in Funchal, a former fortress, this museum plunges visitors into the archipelago’s history and military heritage.
- Madeira Optics Museum: different from the Photography Museum, it features an impressive private collection of over 2,000 antique optical devices dating from the 18th to the 20th century. Unfortunately, it was closed during our trip.
- Natural HistoryMuseum: Madeira’s oldest active museum! Located in the former Palace of São Pedro, you’ll discover the island’s rich biodiversity.
Other cultural venues
- Rua Santa Maria: qualified as an open-air museum, this emblematic Funchal street is decorated by local artists. You’ll see street art, trompe-l’œil and even traditional azulejos!
- Blandy’s Wine Lodge: also known as the Wine Museum, we learned more about the specifics of the archipelago’s vineyards on a guided tour. The courtyard is freely accessible, but to enter the building and see the barrels filled with Madeira wine, you must be accompanied by a guide.
- Caravel – Centre d’Art: this art gallery exhibits artists from Portugal and Madeira, as well as international creatives! It’s also connected to a friendly little café.
- Madeira Film Experience : a film screening on the history of the island. Unfortunately, this activity was being restructured during our trip.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
