Location: Funchal
Top Things to do in Funchal
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What to do and see in Funchal, Madeira Islands: The Best Specialty Museums
Funchal, the capital of the Madeira archipelago, was declared a city in the 1500s, and became an important point between the old and new worlds. The laid-back city owes much of its historical prominence to "white gold," Madeiran sugar. Today Funchal is known for its appealing temperatures, wine and crafts. Top spots to visit include the open Worker's Market, Blandy's Wine Lodge and the Sacred Art Museum. Friendly locals, walkable streets and cheap taxis make the city easy to get around.
Restaurants in Funchal
1. Madeira Optics Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
Exhibition of more than 2000 cameras, projectors, telescopes, binoculars and other things optical, from years 1700 to 2000.
Reviewed By honestandfair1966 - Scarborough, United Kingdom
In the ???? of Funchal hundreds of vintage cameras, binoculars, telescopes, all from private collection... a must-visit for everyone interested in photography and film. The exhibition area is spread over two floors, and a coffee/foyer/small antique shop. Upstairs you get to watch a melange of private video clips depicting Madeira from '50s onwards. Just brill! I only wish the ever-growing collection gets all support from local authorities as it is obvious the museum is in need of constant maintenance and expansion! Madeira should be proud to have such a gem of the place! It's places like this museum that make all the difference for a tourist hungry for cultural food!
2. Museu Dos Anjos - Museum of Arts and Traditions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Dos Anjos – Museum of Arts and Traditions The big 5 Portuguese traditions, you will get to know the history and the process of producing the traditions. - Estimated Visit duration time is 45 minutes - Children under 12 years of age are not admitted - The visit is conducted and guided by an Audio-guide The opportunity to see, learn and feel the traditions of Portugal. Visit us.
3. Museu Henrique e Francisco Franco
4. Universo de Memorias Joao Carlos Abreu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By AHugh
The Universo de Memorias João Carlos Abrue, an amazing collection of mementoes collected throughout his life as journalist, traveller, poet, writer, politician, actor and artist on trips to different countries around the world. Unfortunately photography wasn't allowed on this tour, however, if you're ever in Madeira it's well worth a visit, an absolutely amazing collection of objects, jewellery and art. Tours are on the hour from 10am to 4pm. We arrived half an hour early for a coffee and patinga scone in the tea room which were delicious. The tangerine cake looked lovely too. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Will be back for both
5. Museu de Fotografia da Madeira - Atelier Vicente's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
The Madeira Museum of Photography - Atelier Vicente's is based on a nineteenth-century photography studio, which has gone through four generations of the same family. Originally acquired in 1865 by Vicente Gomes da Silva (1827-1906), survives complete with all his equipment, cameras, books, sets, furniture and with a unique photographic heritage of several families who posed at his studio. Currently, the collection includes, besides Vicente’s assets, the work of other professional and amateur photographers such as João António Bianchi, Viscount Vale Paraíso (1862–1928); Charles Courtney Shaw (1878–1971); Gino Romoli (1906–1982); João Francisco Camacho (1833-1898); Perestrellos Photographos (1890-1998); Alexander Lamont Henderson (1838–1907) and Joaquim Augusto de Sousa (1853–1905) to name a few. It also presents the history of photographic processes, from the daguerreotype to the first color photographs, including the magic lantern devices and stereoscopy.
Reviewed By DeeganLancashire
At last this old building has been restored. Wonderful architectural features, iron balconies and mahogany grand staircase . Many portraits of the family who owned the house plus all the portraits of various clients which were endless. The old black and white film of Madeira and the residents going about their daily chores was fascinating. Well worth the 3 euros entrance fee.
6. Madeira Film Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 476 reviews
Madeira Film Experience is a 30-minute audiovisual journey that covers the 600 years of the history and culture of the island known all over the world as the Pearl of the Atlantic. Let yourself be amazed with Madeira Film Experience. Session Schedule: Monday to Sunday 10:15 / 11:00 / 11:45 / 12:30 / 13:15 / 14:00 / 14:45 / 15:30 / 16:15 / 17:00
Reviewed By beedeeuniko - Madeira, Portugal
Very informative insight into the history of Madeira and very well made as well... a small and very cozy cinema awaits
7. Museu do Brinquedo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
8. Sao Francisco Cellars Wine Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7 reviews
The wine tour at the St. Francis Wine Lodge is recommended - it's fun and educational.
9. Frederico de Freitas Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 313 reviews
Reviewed By DeeganLancashire
This museum has a most interesting collection of nativities on display at the moment well worth the steep climb up the hill
10. Nucleo Museologico de Arte Popular
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
