Universe of Memories João Carlos Abreu
A unique museum in an 1800s house, showcasing a vast, whimsical collection amassed by a well-traveled individual. Guided tours bring history to life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid weekend crowds
Universe of Memories João Carlos Abreu
Best Time
Avoid weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique museum in an 1800s house, showcasing a vast, whimsical collection amassed by a well-traveled individual. Guided tours bring history to life.
"A very unusual museum - all collected by one person. The collection is huge, varied, whimsical and, at times, mind-blowing."
🎯 Arrive on the Hour
Tours depart hourly. Plan your visit to catch the start of a tour and avoid a long wait. :clock1:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking across multiple floors of the historic house. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eclectic Collections
A vast, whimsical, and mind-blowing array of decorative arts amassed by a single, well-traveled individual.
Historic 1800s House
Explore the unique architecture and rich history of the house itself, which adds to the charm of the collections.
Knowledgeable Guides
Guides bring the life story of the collector and the artifacts to life, making the experience engaging and educational.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Guided Tours are Key
Photography & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive on the Hour
Tours depart hourly. Plan your visit to catch the start of a tour and avoid a long wait. :clock1:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking across multiple floors of the historic house. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photography Allowed
Capture the unique items, but remember that video recording is not permitted. :camerawithflash:
📞 Ring Ahead for Tours
It's recommended to call and confirm tour times before your visit. :telephone_receiver:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive on the Hour
Tours depart hourly. Plan your visit to catch the start of a tour and avoid a long wait. :clock1:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking across multiple floors of the historic house. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photography Allowed
Capture the unique items, but remember that video recording is not permitted. :camerawithflash:
📞 Ring Ahead for Tours
It's recommended to call and confirm tour times before your visit. :telephone_receiver:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Universe of Memories for its incredibly unique and eclectic collection, housed within a charming historic building. The knowledgeable guides are frequently praised for bringing the collector's life and the artifacts to life, making it a highly engaging experience. While the guided tour format is mandatory and tours run hourly, the low entrance fee and overall value are consistently highlighted as major positives.
"A very unusual museum - all collected by one person. The collection is huge, varied, whimsical and, at times, mind-blowing. The house itself is quite unique with the interesting history in itself. A few notes - you can't wander around by yourself, the guided tours are every hour on the hour. No photography was allowed. It was only two of us on the tour and we were not rushed, so it was fine. The cafe is under refurbishment, but the little garden is very nice. We will come back!"
Jane Gallagher
"A beautiful museum of collections of various objects of the then owner. We were on a guided tour on a weekday, it takes place every full hour with a guide and lasts about 30 minutes. we didn't know about tours so we waited over 30 minutes. For my taste, it's a bit fast to see everything in peace. You can just take photos, no videos. The building has three floors and you can also go and see the balcony. The entrance fee is very low.
If you have time, be sure to stop by."
Kristýna K
"This is a must visit place. It's a walking history house with a fantastic set of collections. The tour guide a very knowledgeable lady just brought the whole place to life."
Keith Allen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Funchal. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's often recommended to check local bus routes or consider a taxi for convenient access.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce. Visitors often find street parking or nearby public parking garages in Funchal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is noted as being very low, offering excellent value for money. +1
Advance booking isn't typically mentioned as a requirement. However, arriving on the hour for the guided tour is crucial. +1
While specific discount information isn't readily available, the already low entrance fee makes it an affordable visit for most.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
No, independent exploration is not allowed. You must join a guided tour, which departs every full hour.
The guided tours typically last around 30 minutes, offering a concise yet informative overview of the collections.
Yes, photography is permitted within the museum, allowing you to capture the unique exhibits. However, video recording is prohibited.
The best way is to join a guided tour. The knowledgeable guides bring the collector's life and the eclectic items to life.
The museum is housed in an 1800s building with multiple floors, which may present challenges for those with significant mobility issues.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe was under refurbishment during recent visits, but there is a very nice garden area to relax in.
It's advisable to check on-site policies, but bringing water might be permitted to stay hydrated during the tour.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is allowed, but please refrain from taking videos. This ensures the preservation of the exhibits and the experience for others.
The eclectic nature of the collection means almost every corner offers a unique photo opportunity. The displays are beautifully arranged.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶 Solo Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Collector's Vision: João Carlos Abreu
Visitors often describe the collection as 'mind-blowing' and 'eclectic,' ranging from fine art to peculiar curiosities. The house itself, an 1800s building, is as much a part of the experience as the artifacts it shelters. Its architecture and history provide a charming backdrop, enhancing the atmosphere of discovery. The guided tours are essential for understanding the context and significance of many items, as the guides are exceptionally knowledgeable about Abreu's life and his collecting philosophy.
This museum offers a deeply personal and engaging experience, far removed from typical museum offerings. It's a place where the collector's personality shines through every display, making it a truly unique destination for those seeking something out of the ordinary. The low entrance fee further adds to its appeal as a must-visit spot.
Navigating the Museum: Tours and Etiquette
During the tour, visitors are encouraged to engage with the guides, who are a wealth of information about João Carlos Abreu and his extraordinary collection. While photography is allowed, capturing the unique exhibits, it's important to note that video recording is strictly prohibited. This rule helps maintain the integrity of the experience and respects the collection. Comfortable footwear is also highly recommended, as the museum spans multiple floors within the historic house, involving a considerable amount of walking.
The garden area offers a pleasant space to relax after the tour, especially as the on-site cafe has been undergoing refurbishment. This thoughtful inclusion provides a tranquil spot to reflect on the fascinating exhibits and the stories shared by the guides.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit