The Museum of Natural History preserves an extensive collection of mammals, fish, birds and insects indigenous to Madeira. A popular family attraction, the museum houses a number of taxidermy animals in addition to an aquarium full of live fish. Be entertained on a rainy afternoon at this compact and historic museum.
The museum is housed in an 18th-century residence that once belonged to the Count of Carvalhal. Inspect this Baroque building, considered to be one of the most important 18th-century works of architecture in Madeira. The residence was converted into a museum in the early 1930s by wildlife researcher Adolfo César de Noronha. His goal was to document the rich variety of species native to Madeira, as well as promote the importance of environmental conservation.
Don’t miss the aquarium located on the first floor. It presents a comprehensive sample of the most common types of seaweed, coral and fish found in the waters off the coast of Madeira.
Be sure to see the museum’s collection of marine fossils from Porto Santo, which includes some unusual fossilized corals. Look at the display of volcanic rock, as well as other interesting rocks and minerals that have been collected around the archipelago.
Head to the second floor of the museum, where you’ll find a collection of stuffed fish, birds and other local wildlife. Most of the exhibits are labeled only in Portuguese, but the colorful displays of rare species are still visually impressive. You’ll see everything from loggerhead turtles and moray eels to sea lions and sharp-nosed puffers. Look for the particularly striking exhibit of enormous mounted sharks.
The Museum of Natural History is located on Rua da Mouraria, next to the Sao Pedro Church. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, with regular holiday closures. Reach the museum by bus or take a pleasant and short walk from the center of Funchal.
