We recommend a visit to the Madeira Museum of Photography – Atelier Vincente’s in Funchal . Located in the old town, we were initially attracted by its traditional, colorful architecture. Thanks to the many photographs on display, we were able to rediscover the island through the eyes of its artists.
Check out our useful tips and photos to help you plan your visit and 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 Museum of Photography – Atelier Vincente’s worthwhile?
Totally! It features in our article on the best museums in Funchal and is one of the must-do activities in Madeira’s capital. Originally owned by Vicente Gomes da Silva in 1865, an engraver who made it his studio, it was transformed into a museum in 1982. His photographs pay tribute to the wild beauty of the island and its inhabitants. We have traced the history of photography through a rich collection of antique cameras, utensils and accessories.
What you can see
Traditional, colorful architecture
Before you even enter the museum grounds, stand on the opposite sidewalk to observe the building’s colorful facade. With its ashlar columns, its opening onto the street is in the 17th-century Mannerist architectural style typical of Madeira. This traditional building is home to Portugal’s oldest photography studio, which opened in 1865.
The staircase topped by a plaque in memory of Vicente Gomes da Silva
Once you’ve entered the inner courtyard, take time to contemplate the impressive staircase in front of you. After the first landing, it splits into 2 and rises to the right and left. You can’t miss the large commemorative plaque in honor of Vicente Gomes da Silva that sits proudly at the intersection. We learned that he had first worked as a photographer for the royal houses of Austria, Brazil and Portugal before opening his own photo studio, Photographia Vicentes.
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.
The mysterious daguerreotypes
At the start of our visit, we were intrigued by some surprising images. The people photographed looked like ghosts! They were, in fact, daguerreotypes. Invented by Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre, the daguerreotype was the first stable photographic technique. Take a look at the information panels to find out more about the secrets of this and other photographic processes!
The former photography studio
The museum is home to a recreation of an early photographic workshop. Here, you’ll learn more about early photographic techniques, which in those days were associated more with the work of chemists and physicists. The practice once required mastery of complex formulas, which were also highly toxic. Discovering this room, with its massive washbasin, test tubes and wooden press, we could truly project ourselves into a laboratory of yesteryear!
A wide range of cameras and accessories
Throughout the museum, you’ll discover numerous cameras from different eras, as well as photography-related accessories. From the earliest models to the most recent digital cameras, immerse yourself in a world that blends technology with the quest for aesthetics. In the age of instant photography, we can’t help but imagine how long photo shoots used to take!
Vintage dog portraits
Both amusing and serious, we were intrigued by the dog portraits on display in the museum. Some even posed in the company of their owners, revealing an emotional bond between animal and human. These shots showed the importance of 4-legged companions in the daily lives of their owners. As we adore dogs, we were very touched by this artistic approach!
Madeira’s wild beauty in photographs
The photo gallery houses a jumble of small-format pictures in wooden frames. Many of the photos depict the archipelago’s magnificent wild landscapes in black and white. They capture the power of Madeira’s natural elements, the very essence of the island. We were captivated by pictures by José Raphael Basto Machado (1900-1966) and Joaquim Augusto de Sousa (1853-1905).
Local snapshots
Whether through the island’s landscapes or portraits of its inhabitants, you’ll discover photographs imbued with poetry and mystery. The one above seems to have been captured in the moment. The 2 women, accompanied by a black cat, aren’t even aware that they’ve become the muses of one of Portugal’s greatest photographers! What could they be thinking?
The projection room
Round off your visit in style by watching a film projection in a small room equipped with wooden chairs! Take advantage of this moment of respite to make a list of your favorite shots. And who knows, maybe it’ll be the impetus you needed to take up photography yourself?
VISIT Funchal
- Best things to do in Funchal
- Best restaurants
- Best museums
- Visit the cathedral
- Excursions from Funchal (coming soon)
Madeira Museum of Photography in Funchal: access
Where is the museum?
- On the island of Madeira,
- In the capital Funchal,
- In the old town,
- Between the Jardin Municipal andÉglise Saint-Jean-l’Évangéliste,
- At n°43 Rua da Carreira.
Our map of Madeira’s best museums will help you find your way around the city:
Access by car and parking
We do not recommend driving in the old town. The narrow, cobbled streets are busy with pedestrians. Some are even one-way. Choose a parking lot outside the historic center, such as Parking Santa Luzia. It is open from 6am to 10pm on weekdays.
Then simply walk down Rua 5 de Outubro to reach Old Funchal. The museum is just a 7-minute walk from this parking lot.
Public transport access
Several bus stops are located in Rua 5 de Outubro, close to the museum, including lines 12, 17, 20 and 21. Find out more here.
Visiting difficulties
The official website states that the museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility here. However, it is a converted workshop with relatively narrow passageways and small steps.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Useful tips for visiting the Museum of Photography
Schedules and prices
The museum is open from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Closed Mondays and Sundays.
Admission costs €3 in cash only.
For how long?
Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum.
Best moment
It’s best to visit outside the summer months (July, August) and school vacations. You’ll avoid the busiest periods, although tourists generally prefer outdoor activities in Madeira.
Choose morning slots as soon as they open, or late in the day. Visitor numbers are generally lower during these periods. What a pleasure it was to discover the museum in complete tranquillity! We wandered from room to room undisturbed.
Direction of visit
Floor markings and staff directions will guide you on your tour of the old workshop. You’ll be free to retrace your steps at any point. We wandered from room to room without asking ourselves too many questions, just letting ourselves be guided by our desires!
Visiting with children
We didn’t find any dedicated tours for young visitors. However, we recommend this museum to families too. Your children can take a look behind a period lens, or discover a reconstructed photo workshop. They can strike a pose or become real little photographers in their own right!
Eating out
Inside the museum is the pleasant Restaurant Pátio, with its outdoor terrace decorated with black-and-white photographs. In the immediate vicinity of the old studio are many other fine restaurants. We particularly recommend Restaurant Tipografia, less than a 1-minute walk away.
Alternatively, take a look at our compilation of the best restaurants in Funchal to discover local flavours and have a great time at the same time!
Hotels
You’re right in the heart of Funchal’s old town. Find our selection of articles on the best hotels by category to tailor your stay to your desires:
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
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