Universo de Memórias João Carlos Abreu
19th-century house in Funchal, turned into a cultural centre, with decorative arts from several continents gathered by João Carlos Abreu.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The building is a house from the late 19th century, built for residence and lived in until 1998. The oldest known document dates from 1888 and is linked to Simeão Francisco, a Madeiran merchant in British Guiana. In 2002 the Regional Government of Madeira acquired the property and adapted it into a civic and cultural centre.
The space houses the collection donated to the Region by João Carlos Abreu, who oversaw the rehabilitation of the house. The collection brings together decorative arts objects from several continents, gathered over some forty years of connection with tourism and travel, including acquisitions made in European cities such as Rome.
The visit covers rooms such as the library, the red room, the dining room, the travel room, the kitchen, the horse room, the oratory, the stage jewellery room and the tie room. The Educational Service offers themed visits and activities for schools and, in summer, for children and young people.
Highlights
- 19th-century house with decorative arts from several continents
- Travel room, horse room, stage jewellery room and tie room
- Collection donated by João Carlos Abreu
- Guided visits by specialist guides
- Tea house
Permanent exhibition
- Coleção de artes decorativas de João Carlos Abreu – Decorative arts objects from several continents displayed in the rooms of the house, including the travel room and the stage jewellery room.
- Operated by
- Direção Regional da Cultura (Região Autónoma da Madeira)
- Director
- Silvia Chicharo (coordenadora)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Young people aged 13 to 25 and seniors aged 65 and over |
| Seniors | €365 years or older |
| Students & apprentices | €3Youth ticket, ages 13 to 25 |
| Groups (7+ people) | €4 per personPer person, for groups of more than 6 people |
| Families | €10At least 1 adult and 1 minor |
Adult ticket: ages 26 to 64. Admission is free for Educational Service activities and summer activities.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Family ticket | €10 · At least 1 adult and 1 minor |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
The Educational Service offers bilingual activities (Portuguese and English) for pre-school and first-cycle children, and themed visits. The summer activities “Férias Divertidas” (Fun Holidays) run from 6 July to 10 September, for children and young people aged 5 to 14.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Café
Tea house open to the public every day.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The auditorium can be hired on application and payment of a fee.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 45 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Visits are led by specialist guides and last about 45 minutes (about 1 hour 30 minutes for visits based on the Plano Nacional de Leitura, National Reading Plan). It is recommended to contact the Educational Service (291 225 122) before booking. |
