Madeira Story Centre
Região Autónoma da Madeira
The Madeira Story Centre is an interactive museum located in the historic Old Town of Funchal, Madeira. It offers a comprehensive journey through the island's history, from its volcanic origins and rich flora to the era of Portuguese discoveries and the strategic importance of Madeira over the centuries. The museum's chronological exhibits cover key themes such as the island's discovery, local legends, commerce, navigation, and development, providing visitors with an engaging and educational experience. Housed in a renovated building that once was the Santa Maria Cinema, the centre also features thematic gardens displaying typical regional plants and flowers, a restaurant serving traditional Madeiran cuisine, and a craft shop offering local souvenirs and artisanal products. Since its opening in 2005, the Madeira Story Centre has become a popular destination for tourists eager to understand the cultural and historical fabric of the island through modern interactive displays and storytelling.
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Tip: The best time to visit is outside peak tourist seasons to enjoy a more relaxed experience. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during holidays, to avoid queues. The museum offers discounts for groups, seniors, and children. Visitors should also explore the thematic gardens and try the traditional Madeiran dishes at the onsite restaurant for a complete cultural experience.
Interesting facts
- •The museum is housed in a historic building that was once the Santa Maria Cinema, one of Funchal's oldest cinemas.
- •It features thematic gardens showcasing typical plants and flowers native to Madeira.
- •The Madeira Story Centre closed temporarily in 2015 due to financial issues but was reopened later that year under new ownership with improved accessibility.
- •The exhibits include a chronological journey through Madeira's volcanic origins, discovery, and development, incorporating local legends and historical events.
History
The Madeira Story Centre opened on April 29, 2005, in a building that formerly housed one of Funchal's oldest cinemas, the Santa Maria Cinema.
It was established through a significant investment aimed at creating a thematic museum dedicated to Madeira's history and culture.
Despite financial difficulties leading to a temporary closure in February 2015, the centre was acquired by a local family group and reopened in December 2015 with renewed exhibits and more accessible pricing to attract visitors.
Over its first decade, it attracted an average of 140,000 visitors annually, predominantly tourists, becoming a key cultural institution in Madeira.
Place Guide
Volcanic Origins Exhibit
This section explores Madeira's geological formation and volcanic beginnings, explaining the island's natural landscape and ecosystems.
Discovery and Legends Gallery15th century
Showcases the story of Madeira's discovery by Portuguese explorers, including the romantic legend of English lovers Robert Machim and Anne d'Arfet.
Commerce and Navigation Section15th-16th centuries
Details Madeira’s development as a strategic trading hub, focusing on sugar cane cultivation, maritime commerce, and the island's role in Portuguese discoveries.
Thematic Gardens
Outdoor gardens displaying typical Madeiran plants and flowers, providing insight into the island’s unique biodiversity and horticultural traditions.
Panoramic Restaurant
Onsite restaurant offering traditional Madeiran cuisine with panoramic views, allowing visitors to savor local flavors in an authentic setting.
Contact
Phone: 291 639 081