MADEIRA · MUSEUMS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 9 museum visits worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Spend about an hour at Funchal’s 3D Fun Art Museum, moving through 40 photo-ready scenes with optical illusions, upside-down rooms, safari setups, dinosaurs, and a playful take on Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam. Staff explain how to pose, and photos are encouraged.
“Well worth a visit and good value for money. Would definitely recommend.”
At Funchal’s 3D Fun Art Museum, you step into about 40 painted scenes and optical illusions. Pose with dinosaurs, fly through space, serve your head at dinner, or recreate a Madeira folklore dance. Staff can suggest angles and take photos, while solo visitors can use a tripod and remote.
“There are in Funchal a original Museum. Our favorite part is downstairs, the Big Show, dancer, and parachute. You can keep original and funny fotos. Test it!!”
Trace Ronaldo’s Madeira story with a private guide such as Marco, visiting his childhood neighborhood, first club, football pitch, and the CR7 Museum. Hotel or port pickup, transport, museum entry, and WiFi are included. Expect a personal tour with time for photos and questions.
“We had a fantastic tour with Marco, who picked us up from our hotel. He kept things interesting with so many facts about Ronaldo. We visited his former childhood home and my two boys (7 and 10) had a chance to play on the Futsal pitch closeby, which they loved. The trip to the CR7 Museum was also an incredible finale. Ronaldo is a truly great footballer and a very kind and generous person too! He has made a huge difference to Madeira and he is rightfully honoured by them. It was nice to hear stories about his upbringing, I would love to meet CR7 one day. Marco, thanks for…”
You’ll ride through Funchal’s Old Town with an English or Portuguese-speaking guide, passing the market, cathedral, narrow streets, and Ronaldo’s former neighborhood. Guides such as Andrea, Virgilio, Carla, and Freddy add local stories before dropping you at the CR7 Museum, whose entry ticket is separate.
“I had an amazing experience with our guide Andrea who took us to see so many great view points in Funchal. New town as well as old town. She put the roof down for as it was a nice day and we could get a better view of the city from her little red tuk tuk. She arrived early at the pick up spot and was ready waiting for us upon our arrival. We got to see Ronaldo’s old neighbourhood, his old football club and the pitch where he made his first goal. We were even able to see where his house once stood and the neighbourhood where he swept…”
Follow Cristiano Ronaldo’s Madeira story with a private driver-guide, museum admission, hotel pickup, and stops at his childhood home area and youth football field. Guides such as Marco and Duarte have led informative English tours. Plan on about 2.5 hours and a premium over museum entry alone.
“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 30 to 60 minutes before your concert, explore 800 square meters of modern art, then settle in with one drink for live jazz, classical, blues, rock, or eclectic music. The evening schedule changes by day.
“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.”
Visit the Madeira Whale Museum in Caniçal for a self-guided look at Madeira’s whaling past and marine life. Your ticket includes a five-language audio guide, temporary exhibition, life-size whale and dolphin models, and stereoscopic 3D films. Allow one day to use the ticket.
Visit MAMMA, Madeira’s Museum of Modern Art, in Funchal for a one-day admission. You’ll see about 300 works across 14 themed zones, from paintings to unusual installations. The museum was created by Madeiran artist Rui Sá and welcomes visitors in Portuguese or English.
Visit Funchal’s Sacred Art Museum for a 50-minute look at Portuguese religious painting, sculpture, silver, vestments, and textiles from the 15th to 18th centuries. Choose a self-guided visit or a Portuguese or English guided tour, with small-group availability.
“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 ridge or a cellar.
