Madeira · MUSEUMS
The good museum visits fill up first in the busy months. Below: the 10 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
At Funchal’s 3D Fun Art Museum, you can pose inside 40 optical illusions, from a safari and a pet dinosaur to Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam. Plan on about an hour, bring a camera, and expect to make your own pictures. Staff speak English, Portuguese, Spanish, German, and French.
“Great place to visit definately had fun. clean well managed, staff friendly and happy to help if needed.”
At Funchal’s 3D Fun Art Museum, you can pose in about 40 painted scenes and optical illusions, from a safari and a dinosaur encounter to a sideways world and a dance inspired by Madeira folklore. Plan on one to two hours. Staff can suggest photo angles and help take pictures, and solo visitors can use a tripod and remote button.
“Je recommande la visite de ce musée. C'est vraiment que du Fun et le personnel est super sympa. Mon fils de 12 ans a adoré et moi aussi. Nous avons passés un moment bien sympathique, et nos photos sont TOP. Merci au musée.”
Visit Barcelos viewpoint, the neighborhood where Ronaldo grew up, Andorinha, his first official club, and the CR7 Museum in downtown Funchal. A private driver-guide handles the transport and museum entry is included. Guides speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, or German. Marco is especially good at bringing Ronaldo’s early life to life for children.
“We had the most amazing day today with Marco! Would highly recommend. He made the day so fun and informative for my 11 year old son, even had a mini game of football. Thank you so much Marco! Donna & Nate”
Ride through Funchal’s old lanes with a private driver-guide, passing the market, cathedral and streets tied to Cristiano Ronaldo’s early life. Guides such as Andrea and Virgilio have shared local history, viewpoints and football stories. The 90-minute tour ends at the CR7 Museum; entry is not included.
“Very friendly and flexible tour guide offered us choices of what we wanted to see. He was also very knowledgeable about lots of topics.”
Spend about two and a half hours tracing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Madeira story with a private driver-guide. You’ll visit the CR7 Museum, the area where he grew up and the football field where he played as a child. Admission, hotel or apartment pickup and drop-off, private transport, and onboard Wi-Fi are included. Guides have included Marco and Duarte, though your guide may differ.
“Ideal for the Ronaldo hard core fans. Super knowledgable guide and funny. Engaging with questions. Saw all the key sights. Learnt a lot.”
Visit MAMMA in central Funchal, where about 300 paintings and installations fill an 800-square-meter museum. Your ticket includes access up to an hour before a live concert and one drink. Music varies by night: classical on Wednesdays, jazz Thursdays, blues and rock Fridays, and eclectic sets on weekends.
“Mamma's is a quirky venue. Lots of unusual artwork by one artist only. Really good music gig 'Dire Straits to Eric Clapton '. A really good evening unfortunately our last night in Madeira this year.”
At the Madeira Banana Museum in Lugar de Baixo, a guide leads you through the island’s banana-growing history, interactive exhibits and sensory rooms, then out to plantations and greenhouses. Allow about two hours. The tour is offered in English, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese; bar treats and souvenirs cost extra.
“Information on different types of banana. Maybe even banana tasting! Very nice museum though.”
At the Madeira Whale Museum in Caniçal, explore Madeira’s whaling past through historical objects, life-size whale and dolphin models, and stereoscopic 3D films. Your ticket includes an audio guide in five languages and access to the temporary exhibition. The museum also works in marine research and conservation.
Visit MAMMA, the Museum of Modern Art in Madeira, in Funchal. Your ticket gives you entry to an 800-square-meter museum with about 300 works in 14 themed zones. The collection draws on avant-garde art of the 19th and 20th centuries and reflects Madeiran artist Rui Sá’s 15 years of artistic work. Drinks and concerts are not included.
Visit Funchal’s Sacred Art Museum for Portuguese religious paintings and sculptures from the 15th to 18th centuries, plus sacred silver and textiles. Choose a self-guided visit or a guided tour in English or Portuguese. Allow about 50 minutes, and look out for the building’s architecture and terrace views.
“This was an amazing tour. Our guide was so passionate and knowledgeable. It’s a fascinating museum with lots of history and unique pieces. A lovely way to spend a couple of hours. The building itself is great and the terrace with a great view is worth the price alone!”
Pick a coast, a peak or a boat.
