There's a lot to see here!
In addition to the unique landscape with its impressive flora and fauna, Madeira also offers a multitude of possibilities for those who are hungry for knowledge or those interested in culture. Whether contemporary art or classic handicrafts, natural history or interesting facts about wine - almost no subject area is missing. Visit one or the other museum and let yourself be carried away into another world. However, the museums listed below are only a selection - if you are also interested in one or the other topic, your tour guide will be happy to provide you with further addresses.
Museu de Arte Sacra / Museum of Church Art
This museum inspires above all with its paintings from the 18th century, but also with many other exhibits such as sculptures or jewelry. A large part of the paintings are of Dutch origin. The earlier traders traded their paintings for sugar.
Rua do Bispo 21, in the old bishop's palace.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., 14.30 p.m. to 17 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Museu Municipal / City Museum
This museum has a natural history collection with stuffed animals, a library and a small aquarium. Fish feeding around 15pm.
Rua da Mouraria 31.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 18 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 12 p.m. to 18 p.m.
Museu Quinta das Cruzes / Also called the Zarco Museum
This former mansion was once the residence of João G. Zarco. Inside you will see a valuable art collection, noteworthy furnishings and decorations. The very beautiful garden has many flowers and old stone portals and window frames from the former apartment. Calçada do Pico 1.
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 12.30pm and 14pm to 18pm.
Museu do Vinho / Wine Museum
Part of the Madeira Wine Institute. Here you will learn the history of Madeira wine and everything about cultivation, care and production. The collection of engravings, photos, etc. provides clear information.
Rua 5 de Outubro 78.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 14 to 17 p.m.
Museu da Madeira Wine Company / Museum of Madeira Wines
Take part in a guided tour and learn a lot about the production and tradition as well as the special features of Madeira wine. There is an opportunity to taste the wine.
São Francisco Wine Cellar, 28 Avenida Arriaga.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 19 p.m., guided tours: Monday to Friday 10.30 a.m. to 15.30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.
Museu Henrique & Francisco Franco
The museum is dedicated to the work of the brothers Henrique and Francisco Franco, who strongly influenced Portuguese art between the 19th and 20th centuries. You can see an interesting collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures.
Rua do Bom Jesus 13.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., 14 p.m. to 18 p.m.
Museum - Barbeito Library
Excellent collection on Christopher Columbus and Madeira's history with rare books, coins and pictures, some from the 16th century.
Avenida Arriaga.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 13 p.m., 15 p.m. to 19 p.m., Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 13 p.m., closed on public holidays.
Sugar Museum
The history of sugar is presented in this former manor house. You get insights into all areas of sugar production from yesterday to today.
Praca do Colombo.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., 14 p.m. to 18 p.m.
Museu de História Nature / Natural History Museum
Interesting collection of rare specimens of flora and fauna, part of the botanical garden and included in the entrance fee.
Caminho do Meio / Quinta do Bom Successo.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 14 p.m. to 17.30 p.m., including public holidays, closed on Sundays.
Museu de Arte Contemporânea / Museum of Contemporary Art
Collection of contemporary Portuguese art, also regular exhibitions.
São Tiago Fortress, Zona Velha.
Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10am to 12.30pm and 14.30pm to 17.30pm, closed on public holidays.
Museu do IBTAM / State Craft Institute
Collection on the history of Madeira embroidery. Both valuable embroidery and the finest goblins from the 19th century and the Art Nouveau era are presented.
On the river bed of the Ribeira de João Gomes.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., 14.30 p.m. to 17.30 p.m.
The opening times are subject to change.
