Museum of Natural History Funchal
Discover Madeira's unique biodiversity at the historic Palace of Saint Peter, featuring taxidermy and insights into the Laurissilva forest.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Museum of Natural History Funchal
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Madeira's unique biodiversity at the historic Palace of Saint Peter, featuring taxidermy and insights into the Laurissilva forest.
"A compact yet fascinating museum with a lovely garden, offering great value for exploring Madeira's natural heritage."
Check Aquarium Status
Confirm if the aquarium is open before your visit, as it's sometimes closed for refurbishment. :informationdeskperson:
Allocate Enough Time
Plan for about 1.5 hours to see exhibits and the garden. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Taxidermy Collection
Exhibition Halls
Discover a fascinating array of taxidermied aquatic birds, mammals, and fish native to Madeira.
Laurissilva Forest Exhibits
Exhibition Halls
Learn about the unique plants and animals of Madeira's ancient Laurissilva forest.
Museum Garden
Outdoor Garden
A charming small garden featuring diverse plants, butterflies, and lizards.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Fuller Experience
Budget-Friendly Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Aquarium Status
Confirm if the aquarium is open before your visit, as it's sometimes closed for refurbishment. :informationdeskperson:
Allocate Enough Time
Plan for about 1.5 hours to see exhibits and the garden. :clock1:
Affordable Entry Fee
Tickets are reasonably priced around €4-€5 per adult. :euro:
Explore the Garden
Don't miss the lovely garden with plants, butterflies, and lizards. :butterfly:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Aquarium Status
Confirm if the aquarium is open before your visit, as it's sometimes closed for refurbishment. :informationdeskperson:
Allocate Enough Time
Plan for about 1.5 hours to see exhibits and the garden. :clock1:
Affordable Entry Fee
Tickets are reasonably priced around €4-€5 per adult. :euro:
Explore the Garden
Don't miss the lovely garden with plants, butterflies, and lizards. :butterfly:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Museum of Natural History Funchal to be an interesting and educational experience, particularly for its taxidermy collection and insights into Madeira's flora and fauna. While compact, it offers good value with an affordable entry fee and a pleasant garden. Some visitors noted the aquarium was closed for refurbishment and accessibility might be an issue due to stairs.
"Very interesting but very short and sweet also.
Tickets are around €4 each, there is an aquarium there but it was closed for refurbishment when we visited so I can’t comment on this.
They have lots of aquatic birds, mammals and fish to observe.
There is a lovely garden to explore which was lovely but also small."
Leanne Netherton
"We spent about 1,5 hour with a children of 12 and 16 y.o. We also visited the museum's garden, you can find many interesting plants there plus butterflies 🦋and lizzards🦎my son has found a cat in the garden, so we felt at home here🐈⬛😺"
valeriia panasenko
"Better than it used to be. They have room for more as well. Beautiful place for kids that love to learn also for people that want to know more about laurissilva"
Mara Catarina Fernandes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Funchal, Madeira. It's accessible by local buses and is within walking distance of many central Funchal attractions. Taxis are also readily available.
Street parking can be limited in Funchal. It's advisable to use public transport or a taxi. Nearby public parking garages are available but can be costly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees are approximately €4-€5 per adult. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official website or inquire upon arrival.
Information on specific discounts for children or seniors is not widely available. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket counter for any available concessions.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Museum of Natural History Funchal, especially during off-peak hours. However, during peak tourist season, it might be a good idea to book ahead if possible.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times and days.
The museum has stairs and may not be fully accessible for individuals with mobility issues. Some reviews mention a lack of a lift.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 1.5 hours exploring the museum's exhibits and its garden.
You can expect to see taxidermied aquatic birds, mammals, and fish, as well as exhibits on the plants and animals of Madeira's Laurissilva forest.
There is an aquarium section, but it has been noted to be closed for refurbishment at times. It's advisable to check its status before your visit.
The garden is small but lovely, featuring a variety of plants, butterflies, and lizards. Some visitors have even spotted cats there!
Yes, the museum is considered good for children, especially those interested in learning about nature and animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the Museum of Natural History Funchal. However, Funchal's city center offers numerous restaurants and cafes nearby.
It's generally recommended not to consume food or drinks inside museum exhibition areas. You can enjoy them in the garden or outside the premises.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is usually permitted for personal use, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the exhibits. It's best to check for any specific signage or ask staff.
The taxidermy displays offer unique photo opportunities. The garden with its plants and butterflies also provides picturesque scenes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum is compact, it offers enough to keep younger minds entertained for about 1.5 hours. The affordable entry fee makes it a budget-friendly choice for families. Remember to check if the aquarium is open, as this could be an additional draw for children.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's a perfect addition to a day of exploring Funchal on foot or using public transport, as it's centrally located. You can easily spend a couple of hours here, learning about Madeira's natural history and enjoying a peaceful stroll in the garden, all while keeping your expenses low.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Madeira's Natural Heritage
Visitors can marvel at a collection of taxidermied animals, including a variety of aquatic birds, mammals, and fish that inhabit or visit the island. These displays provide an educational and engaging experience, particularly for younger visitors keen on learning about wildlife. The museum also dedicates space to the endemic plants and animals of the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting its ecological significance.
Beyond the indoor exhibits, the museum boasts a charming garden. This outdoor space is a delightful extension of the museum's theme, featuring a diverse collection of local plants, attracting butterflies and lizards. It offers a tranquil spot to relax and appreciate the island's natural beauty, making the visit a well-rounded experience.
Visitor Experience and Practicalities
However, potential visitors should be aware of certain limitations. The aquarium section has been subject to closures for refurbishment, so it's wise to confirm its operational status before your visit.
Despite these points, the museum is generally well-regarded for its educational value and the pleasantness of its garden. It's a good option for families with children who enjoy learning about nature, and for anyone interested in a focused introduction to Madeira's unique ecosystem.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit