Passing through Funchal? Take the opportunity to visit the Madeira Story Center, a museum that traces the history of the Madeira archipelago in an entertaining way, from its volcanic formation to its present-day development. Although the museum lacks a certain modernity, it enabled us to understand the evolution of the island over the centuries.
In this article you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why visit the Madeira Story Center in Madeira?
Is the museum worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the Madeira Story Center is well worth a visit. This is one of the best museums in Funchal! Its themes range from the island’s volcanic origins to pirate attacks and centuries-old traditions. On its roof, we discovered a terrace and a restaurant, offering views over downtown Funchal. A boutique, offering a wide selection of Madeira wines, is also located on the first floor.
Our favorite moments
During our visit, we particularly appreciated:
- Breathtaking views of the city and cable car from the panoramic terrace
- Discovering the island thanks to advances in navigation
- The fascinating history of Madeira wine
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Access: Madeira Story Center, Funchal
Where is the museum?
- On Madeira Island
- In the heart of Funchal
- At 27 Rua Dom Carlos I
- Opposite the Monte
- Near Mercado dos Lavradores
How to get there?
If you’re already in downtown Funchal, you can walk straight there. The museum faces the seafront promenade on the old town side.
Otherwise, it’s easily accessible by public transport. Several bus lines (31, 31A, 32, 42) serve the “Rua dos Profetas” stop, just a 3-minute walk from the museum. To plan your journey, consult the bus timetable here.
OUR ADVICE 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.
Parking
We do not recommend driving in the old town. The alleys are narrow and cobbled, some even one-way. Instead, opt for Parking Santa Luzia, located outside the historic center. It is open from 6am to 10pm on weekdays. The museum is a 15-minute walk from this parking lot down Rua 5 de Outubro to Old Funchal.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
Preferably outside the summer season (July, August) and school vacations. This way, you can avoid the busy periods in Funchal. The museum remains little visited, however, as tourists generally prefer outdoor activities. You can get there at any time without difficulty.
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
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow between 30min and 1h to visit the museum.
The floor is smooth, but some passages are narrow, making wheelchair circulation more difficult. An elevator makes the facility accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Advice on how to visit
The entrance leads directly to the store on the first floor. Head to the back of the room on the right to buy your museum tickets. Then take the elevator to the exhibition area. We recommend that you take a tour of the room, taking time to stop and look at the information that particularly interests you. To round off your visit in style, join us on the rooftop where you can enjoy the view. If you’re hungry, the museum’s restaurant awaits you, although we recommend lunch at one of our favourite restaurants in Funchal!
Visiting with children
We recommend this museum for families. We particularly appreciated the little questionnaires provided for children along the way. We also noticed some screens, but unfortunately they were switched off during our visit.
Schedules and rates
The museum is open daily from 9am to 7pm. More info on the official website here.
Admission costs €5 for adults and €3 for children (cash only).
Catering
The museum has a panoramic restaurant, and a café on the first floor at store level. However, we recommend lunch at Restaurant Santa Maria, a 2-minute walk away, which is one of our favourite restaurants in Funchal!
Discovering Madeira
The Madeira Story Center plunged us into the fascinating history of the archipelago. We particularly liked the section dedicated to famous explorers, including the reference to Christopher Columbus, who lived in Porto Santo. You’ll discover how these navigators used Madeira as a strategic stopover to refuel before continuing on to the New World or Asia.
The collection reveals some unusual navigational objects, such as the nautical astrolabe. Do you know this tool? It was used by sailors to measure the height of a celestial body in order to orient themselves at sea! Exciting, isn’t it?
Local know-how
Several parts of the museum showcase local know-how. Discover the history of azulejos, the earthenware tiles so characteristic of Portuguese architecture. We were also interested in the exhibition on Madeira wine and the Estufa Revolution that transformed its production. The museum also highlights Madeira’s historical importance in international trade thanks to its strategic position. Not forgetting a nod to the local pride, Cristiano Ronaldo, whose exceptional career is mentioned.
The panoramic terrace
The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the panoramic terrace. We were won over by the breathtaking view of Funchal’s orange roofs, which stretch as far as the eye can see. You can also watch the ascent of the Monte cable car. Although this floor is home to a restaurant, we prefer to direct you to our selection of establishments in town for a more authentic culinary experience.
Delicatessen
Before leaving the museum, head for the store on the first floor. It offers a selection of local products. You’ll find a wide selection of Madeira wines, so you can take home a tasty souvenir of your visit!
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
