Vicentes Photography Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Madeira > Funchal > Funchal > Sé

Location:

This museum is located in the heart of Funchal, in the Sé district. It is situated on Rua da Carreira, a central artery of the city. Its location facilitates access for those strolling through the historic center, being integrated into the urban dynamic of the oldest and busiest area.

The Origins of the Atelier:

The history of this space dates back to 1848, the year it was founded by Vicente Gomes da Silva. It is recognized as the oldest photography studio in Portugal, witnessing the birth and evolution of this art in the country. The "Vicentes" Atelier maintained its activity for over a century, until the 1970s, documenting Madeiran life through portraits and landscapes. In 1979, the valuable collection was acquired by the Regional Government of Madeira, giving rise to the museological project which opened its doors in 1982.

The Collection and its Holdings:

The museum allows visitors to explore a faithful reconstruction of the original 19th-century atelier, offering an authentic glimpse into the working environment of the era. You can observe historical furniture, the backdrops used for portrait sessions, and a vast collection of photographic cameras, from the earliest equipment to later models. The highlight is its remarkable photographic archive, which gathers hundreds of thousands of negatives and prints. This collection documents life in Madeira from the mid-19th century, including works by the founder and many other photographers who operated on the island.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, which portrays the island and its inhabitants through the lens of the time, the museum periodically presents temporary exhibitions that delve into different aspects of Madeiran photography or the work of specific authors. The space also features a section dedicated to cinema, exploring the historical relationship between the two arts.

A Look into the Past:

Visiting this museum is like taking a leap back in time to the pioneering era of photography. It allows visitors to understand the methods and working environment of a 19th-century studio and appreciate the mastery of the first photographers. Its collection is of inestimable value, not only for the history of photography it recounts but also as a visual document of Madeiran society, culture, and landscape over decades. The captured images constitute a documentary and anthropological heritage of great relevance to the island's history.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt