Funchal Municipal Museum (Natural History)

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Madeira > Funchal > Funchal > Achada

Location:

The Funchal Municipal Museum (Natural History) is located in the city's historic center, housed in the building of the Palace of São Pedro.

It is situated on Rua da Mouraria, in a central area that facilitates access and allows exploration of the historical surroundings of the Madeiran capital, in the area known as Achada.

Historical Journey

Officially inaugurated on October 5, 1933, initially under the name of the Madeira Regional Museum, this space first encompassed various areas of science.

Over time, it progressively specialized in Natural History, which became the exclusive focus of its exhibitions and research, solidifying its role in the study of the island's natural heritage.

Madeira's Natural Heritage

This museum is dedicated to the study and exhibition of the natural heritage of the Madeira Archipelago.

Its collections are varied, featuring biological and geological specimens that reflect the richness of local nature. You can find everything from mounted animals, such as birds and terrestrial and marine mammals, to a diversity of insects, other invertebrates, fish, and even marine reptiles. The collection also includes plants, rocks, and minerals characteristic of the region.

A Look at the Sea

Complementing the terrestrial exhibitions, the Museum incorporates a Municipal Aquarium.

This space offers the opportunity to observe important species of marine fauna that inhabit the Archipelago's coastal zone up close, providing a glimpse into the local underwater world.

The Garden of Local Plants

More recently, the museum has included the valorization of an Aromatic and Medicinal Plant Garden in its mission.

In this garden, you can discover and learn more about some of the indigenous and endemic plants that are an integral part of Madeira's distinctive flora.

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