Madeira Photography Museum - Atelier Vicente’s

An interesting museum in a characterful building. (2025) Entrance is 3EUR for adults, with free entry to children of a certain age. I found the very early cameras and printing processes really interesting. The displayed prints were a bit of a mix in terms of captivating interest. Overall, an enjoyable experience.

This charming museum in Funchal is a must-visit for anyone interested in photography and Madeira’s history. Although small, it is packed with informative exhibits that offer a delightful glimpse into the island’s past. The studio and darkroom displays are meticulously arranged, providing a fascinating insight into the evolution of photography. The museum’s cafe is a highlight, serving excellent coffee and freshly baked sweets with exceptional service. Overall, I highly recommend this museum for its unique blend of history, culture, and hospitality.

I recommend a visit to this Museum for 3 reasons: It presents an incredible history of cameras, photographers and photographs. The subject matter of the photographs shows an intimate social history documentation of the way of life on this beautiful island. Informative archival film in one room also portrays this. The Museum is in a beautiful old workshop with courtyards, balconies, double staircase, shop, tearoom, toilets, and the whole visit enhanced by friendly, helpful staff. Thank you, that was an enjoyable couple of hours.

Loved the exhibit downstairs, including the juxtaposition of old and new. Learned a new word- “Macaronesia.” Discounted admission for groups. Pro tip for upstairs: Don’t sit on the upholstered divans (that are clearly beckoning you to sit on them). Recommend. Will return. Finally, don’t miss the café and courtyard hidden in the back.

A really interesting museum. The old photos and the old documentary film about Madeira give you a historical perspective of the island. If you’re a photography buff all the professional paraphernalia will fascinate you. Truly worth a visit! The cafe in the patio is great too.

I've been waiting to see this place since 2015 but it was close. Finally I saw it and it was amazing. As Portrait photographer this place amused me and every portrait was an inspiration. My family is from Portugal but migrated to Venezuela. And seeing the history in this museum made me a bit nostalgic. What a great place to know about photo and story of Madeira. Super recommend and people is great. Take your time to read and to watch the video. I already recommended to my whole family when traveling there.

This is a gem of a museum. It is open from Tuesday till Saturday, we went on a weekday and it was not at all busy so all the exhibits could be seen at our leisure. The entrance fee is a very reasonable 3€. Because I was carrying a largish bag I was given a key to store it in a locker. A fantastic selection of old photographic equipment, development laboratories, background sets and photos. I particularly liked the stereographic viewer and the 3 d photos, which are viewed through coloured glasses. Then we were shown a little cinema which showed a fantastic early film of Madeiran life. There were plenty of staff at hand throughout. There is a pleasant courtyard cafe attached to the museum.

If you are into photography in anyway it’s an interesting place. Examples of early photography techniques as well as an early studio set up with moveable backdrops and props. Well worth a visit. There is also a nice cafe underneath and toilets.