Museu A Cidade do Açúcar

About the museum

The museum grew out of the Núcleo Museológico A Cidade do Açúcar (A Cidade do Açúcar Museum Unit), opened in 1996 as a memorial to the Manueline houses of the Flemish merchant João Esmeraldo, which are said to have hosted Christopher Columbus and were demolished in 1876. The excavations carried out on the site in 1989 produced a collection that helps us understand the daily life of the city between the late 15th and the mid-18th century, with a great deal of Portuguese ceramics, household items and an old well that still exists.

The space is devoted to the island's sugar industry, between the 15th and 19th centuries, the so-called “white gold” cycle, and to the wealth it generated, reflected in collections of sculpture, goldsmith work and furniture. Madeiran sugar was exported to the ports of northern Europe, especially Bruges and Antwerp, and also to the Mediterranean.

The Funchal Municipal Council reopened the museum on 16 May 2025, after a renovation that organised the exhibition over three floors, increased the number of pieces on display from 230 to 450, created a temporary exhibition room and improved accessibility, with a ramp at the entrance and renovated toilets.

Highlights

• Archaeological finds from the houses of João Esmeraldo, excavated in 1989
• Old well of the merchant's house
• Collections of sculpture, goldsmith work and furniture from the sugar cycle
• About 450 pieces on display over three floors
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Exposição permanente A Cidade do Açúcar – Archaeological finds from the houses of João Esmeraldo, and pieces of sculpture, goldsmith work and furniture that show the history of sugar and of Funchal between the 15th and 19th centuries.

Founded

1996

Operated by

Câmara Municipal do Funchal

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The 2025 renovation created an access ramp at the entrance and renovated toilets.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Praça Colombo, between Rua do Sabão and Rua de João Esmeraldo, in the historic centre of Funchal.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.