We recommend a visit to the Henrique and Francisco Franco Museum during your stay in Funchal, Madeira’s capital. Nestled in a traditional building, it houses a collection dedicated to 2 local artist brothers. This visit immersed us in the Portuguese modernist movement.
Find all our useful tips and photos to help you have a great time.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is a visit to the Henrique and Francisco Franco Museum worthwhile?
Absolutely! It features in our selection of the city’s best museums and in our article on must-do activities in Funchal. Inaugurated in 1987, it exhibits works by brothers and artists Henrique and Francisco Franco. Pioneers of Portuguese modernism, they are both natives of the island. We immersed ourselves in their creative universe, and became aware of their major contribution to twentieth-century art in Portugal. As we wandered through the collection, we discovered paintings, sculptures and engravings enhanced by the colorful walls.
What you can see
The museum model
As we entered the museum, we discovered a reduced-scale model of the facility. This building, with its traditional architecture, once housed the maternal and child health service. Since 2021, the museum has been part of a program to promote accessibility to tourism and culture.
Henrique Franco’s modernist portraits
The museum’s first exhibition room is bursting with color! The walls are painted red and green. Our attention was drawn to Henrique Franco’s portraits, which were very neatly arranged in relation to each other. The lighting effects highlighted these modernist works. Can you identify the artist’s 2 self-portraits in this multi-faceted composition?
Francisco Franco’s work from drawing to sculpture
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. While his sketches hung on the walls, the final work, the statue, took pride of place in the center of the room.
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Henrique Franco’s painting The Black Hen
We were intrigued by an oil on canvas entitled La Poule Noire (The Black Hen). Designed by Henrique Franco in 1922, it bears a French name. This particularity made us wonder about the artist’s influences. It shows a young boy with a rosy face, wearing a bonnet. Dressed in traditional costume, he carries a black hen under his arm.
Adam and Eve engraving and sculpture
To get a better idea of Francisco Franco’s creative process, take a look at another example of interconnected works. Both named Adam and Eve, the engraving and the fired clay sculpture in our photos were made in Paris in 1923. We appreciated the artist’s work as a visual artist, revealing her multiple talents.
The apostolate frieze
Francisco Franco is recognized as one of the most important Portuguese sculptors of the 1920s. In this museum, you’ll discover a glimpse of his skills as an artist. In our photo, you can see a frieze depicting the apostles. This work, which he created to adorn the façade of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, Lisbon, is testimony to his national renown.
The mysterious drawing Reading
Signed Francisco Franco, we really liked this charcoal drawing on paper. It depicts a young woman whose face is partially hidden by a book. She seems absorbed in her reading. Her half-closed eyelids suggest she’s scanning the last lines at the bottom of the page. The artist has succeeded in capturing a moment of intimacy and reflection.
VISIT Funchal
- Best things to do in Funchal
- Best restaurants
- Best museums
- Visit the cathedral
- Excursions from Funchal (coming soon)
Henrique and Francisco Franco Museum in Funchal (Madeira): access
Where is the museum?
- On the island of Madeira,
- In the capital, Funchal,
- North-east of downtown,
- At 13 Rua São João de Deus.
Access by car and parking
The museum is just one block from the historic center. We do not recommend driving in the old town. The streets are narrow and cobbled. Some are even one-way. Choose a parking lot outside Old Funchal, such as Parking Santa Luzia. It is open from 6am to 10pm on weekdays. The museum is just a 10-minute walk from this parking lot.
In the street opposite the museum, you’ll find a few parking spaces in a row, but they’re reserved exclusively for residents.
Public transport access
There are several bus stops in Rua Do Visconde de Anadia near the museum, including lines 19, 22, 34, 36, 111, 112, etc. Find out more here.
Visiting difficulties
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. For more information, call +351 291 211 090.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Useful tips for visiting the Henrique and Francisco Franco Museum
Schedules and prices
The museum is open from 9am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission is free.
For how long?
Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum.
Best moment
The Henrique and Francisco Franco Museum is rarely visited, but can be used for events and workshops. We had to wait a few minutes for a conference to finish before we could get in.
We recommend you visit us as soon as we open in the morning, or at the end of the day. The museum is also open at lunchtime. More generally, we recommend that you visit us outside the summer months (July and August) and school vacations.
Direction of visit
There’s no set direction for your visit, but we recommend that you let yourself be guided by your own desires. The museum is relatively small. Linger over the works that arouse your curiosity and interest!
Visiting with children
The museum organizes tours and workshops for children. Find out more here.
Eating out
It’s right in the center of town, close to many fine restaurants. Check out our selection of the best restaurants in Funchal to discover the local gastronomy!
Hotels
You’re in the heart of Madeira’s capital city. Discover our favorite hotels in Funchal and on the island:
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
