Museu de Arte Sacra do Funchal
Museum housed in the former Episcopal Palace of Funchal, known above all for its collection of 16th-century Flemish painting and sculpture.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museu de Arte Sacra do Funchal originated from the discovery, in the 1930s, of a remarkable group of Flemish paintings scattered among churches and chapels in the diocese. After being restored in Lisbon and shown in 1949 at the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, the works returned to Madeira and the museum was inaugurated on 1 June 1955.
The collection grew with sculpture and goldsmith work from the diocese, with private donations and some acquisitions. It covers Portuguese and foreign works produced between the late 14th century and the mid-19th century, and stands out for its Flemish painting and sculpture, linked to the sugar trade between Madeira and Flanders in the 15th and 16th centuries.
The museum occupies the former Episcopal Palace, whose construction began in 1594 and which was altered several times, notably in the 18th century after the earthquake of 1748. The visit ends at the Torre Miradouro (Miradouro Tower), from which the city and the sea can be seen.
Highlights
- The island's largest group of Flemish art, with painting and sculpture from the 15th and 16th centuries
- Portuguese painting and sculpture from the 15th to 18th centuries
- Sacred goldsmith work, including a large processional cross commissioned by D. Manuel I
- Liturgical vestments and religious textiles
- Torre Miradouro with a view over Funchal and the sea
Permanent exhibitions
- Arte flamenga – The island's largest group of Flemish art, with panels of great quality and size and sculptures from Mechelen and Antwerp, linked to the sugar trade in the 15th and 16th centuries.
- Arte portuguesa – Portuguese religious painting and sculpture from the 15th to 18th centuries, showing the evolution from Gothic to Baroque.
- Ourivesaria sacra, paramentos e outras proveniências – Liturgical silverware, vestments and religious textiles, including the large processional cross commissioned by D. Manuel I for the Sé (cathedral) of Funchal.
- Founded
- 1955
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Local residents |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 12 · Free admission for children up to age 12. |
| Students & apprentices | freeFree admission for students. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €6 per personGroups under contract with travel agencies (10 or more people); with a museum guide, €8.50 per person. |
| Guided visit with a museum guide, in Portuguese or English | €15 |
| Public guided tour (Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:15, booking required; includes the ticket) | €12Maximum 10 people; payment at the museum reception. |
Free admission also for resident teachers, members of APOM and ICOM, journalists and duly identified tourism professionals, and members of the clergy. The Torre Miradouro is included in the ticket.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum has no lift; the permanent exhibitions are on the upper floors, reached by stairs. On the ground floor there are ramps to the ticket office, the shop and the temporary exhibition room. Folding portable benches are available on the first floor. The reception provides braille materials (Portuguese, French and English) and raised-relief images; floor signage is in relief, and large-print documentation is available.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 12 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
The education service organises visits and workshops for schools, families and other groups; activity sheets for children aged 5 to 10 and 10 to 12 visiting on their own, and a guide for children and families, are available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Avenida do Mar (última paragem) · 7-min walk
Urban buses (yellow) to “Centro” or intercity buses to Funchal.
By car
Parking available
Parking at Galerias São Francisco (3 minutes on foot), at the 5 de Outubro car park (5 minutes on foot) and at the Santa Luzia car park (5 minutes on foot).
The entrance is from Rua do Bispo or Largo do Município.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Café-Museu run under concession, also accessible from Praça do Município; museum shop at the reception, with catalogues, books and products inspired by the collection. Toilets on the ground floor and at the tower level. Cloakroom for large items.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Allowed, without flash; photographs may not be sold. |
| Good to know | Public guided tours in Portuguese, English and German on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:15, by prior booking, with a maximum of 10 people. Group visits and activities for schools and institutions are booked through the education service. Large backpacks, large umbrellas and selfie sticks are not allowed in the rooms, nor are animals, except assistance dogs. |
