Madeira Toy Museum

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Madeira > Funchal > Funchal

Location

The Madeira Toy Museum is located in the heart of Funchal, on Rua Latino Coelho. It is housed on the second floor of a building dating back to the 18th century, integrated into the structure of the historic Armazém do Mercado. Its central position, very close to the picturesque Old Town, places it in a vibrant urban environment that is easily accessible to those exploring the streets and history of the Madeiran capital.

The Origin of the Collection

Inaugurated in 2003, this museum space was born from the passion and dedication of a private collector, José Manuel Borges Pereira, whose vast collection of toys formed the initial core of the museum. Over the years, the collection has been enriched by contributions from other private collections, transforming it into an archive representative of the history of toys. Previously located elsewhere, the museum reopened in 2015 in its current and emblematic building.

A World of Pieces and Stories

The museum houses a remarkable collection of around 20,000 pieces, inviting visitors on a fascinating journey through the history of toys, from the late 19th century to the present day. Visitors can discover a surprising diversity of objects, including dolls from various eras, collections of lead soldiers, numerous miniature cars and other vehicles, as well as a variety of board games. The exhibited pieces come from different origins, with a focus on toys from Portugal, England, France, and Germany. The exhibition is organized into seven distinct thematic rooms, each dedicated to particular universes, from Portuguese toys to iconic figures of popular culture.

The Character of the Building

The Madeira Toy Museum is housed in an 18th-century building, a construction that once served as a home, factory, and warehouse. Its careful restoration sought to preserve the original design of this traditional Madeiran architecture. This historical setting gives the museum a unique atmosphere, where the past of the building itself intertwines with the stories and memories evoked by each toy, creating an environment that invites discovery and nostalgia.

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