The Madeira archipelago is famous throughout the world for its priceless natural heritage. To learn in detail about the rich biodiversity of the archipelago, as well as its evolution over the centuries, a visit to the Natural History Museum of Funchal is a must.
Although it focuses on Natural History, the truth is that this space is also part of Madeira's History itself: this is the oldest museum operating in the archipelago, which opened on 5 October 1933. It is located in São Pedro Palace, one of the most important examples of Portuguese civil architecture, built in the mid-18th century.
In its study collections, the Natural History Museum of Funchal houses over 41,000 specimens. These include multiple species of fish, birds, land and sea mammals, marine reptiles, insects, invertebrates and plants. It also has a collection of rocks and minerals from the archipelago, as well as marine fossils from Porto Santo.
The facilities of the Natural History Museum of Funchal also house the Municipal Aquarium, with 15 tanks, where Madeira's coastal marine fauna is represented, and the Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Garden, with dozens of botanical species.
The Natural History Museum of Funchal houses more than 41,000 animal and botanical specimens and is the ideal place to get to know Madeira's unique natural heritage in detail.
Lift; access ramps and adapted bathrooms.
October to March: 09h00-17h30 | April to September: 09h00-19h30 | Closed: 25th December