The Madeira Ethnographic Museum is a cultural gem that warrants a visit. Housed in a 17th-century ancestral mansion, it safeguards the history and traditional culture. For further insights, check out “Madeira Things To Do“. For a 2-day itinerary of Funchal, see “What To Do In Funchal“.
- Coordinates: 32.672859, -17.063382
Contacts
Address: Rua de São Francisco n.º 24, 9350-211 Ribeira Brava
Phone: 291952598
Email: museuetnografico@gmail.com
Map
In the mid-19th century, the building was transformed into a factory, where an animal-powered sugarcane mill and a still for distilling brandy were installed. There were also two working cereal mills in the factory.
The museum opened to the public in 1996, and its exhibition themes include production activities, transportation, domestic life, and the grocery store.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
- Saturday and Sunday: from 10:00 to 17:30.
- Closed on Monday.
Visitors can’t miss the European-unique cylinders of the sugar mill, a permanent crib display, and the exhibit on swordfish fishing.
We were fortunate enough to witness a tapestry weaving demonstration and learn how to craft baskets out of wheat straw, an ancient tradition of Ponta do Pargo.
With so much to discover, we gained a deeper appreciation for how handicrafts preserve the identity of a people and connect past and present.
Visiting the Ethnographic Museum of Madeira immerses you in the island’s history and traditions and lets you marvel at its vibrant culture.
Price
The admission fee for adults is €3, while seniors can enter for €1.5.
How to get there from Funchal:
To reach the charming Ribeira Brava from the beautiful city of Funchal, follow the splendid West-oriented Via Rápida 1.
The distance between these two breathtaking places is approximately 20 km, and the expected travel time does not exceed 20 minutes.
It is worth noting that the highway connecting these two jewels of Madeira Island is considered one of the most modern in the region.
