The Natural History Museum of Funchal is a vital destination for those eager to explore the intricate biodiversity and evolutionary history of the Madeira archipelago. Operating since October 5, 1933, this museum is not just a repository of natural history but also an integral part of Madeira’s own historical narrative. Housed within the São Pedro Palace, an exemplary piece of 18th-century Portuguese civil architecture, the museum stands as the oldest operating museum in the archipelago.

Within its study collections, the Natural History Museum of Funchal houses over 50,000 records, representing more than 200,000 species. The extensive collection spans various categories, including fish, birds, land and marine mammals, marine reptiles, insects, invertebrates, plants, rocks, minerals, and marine fossils from Porto Santo. A visit to this museum provides a comprehensive understanding of the unique and diverse natural heritage of Madeira.

The Natural History Museum of Funchal appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Funchal (Madeira)!

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