Museu Etnográfico da Madeira

Updated: Dec 11, 2020

My favourite museum on Madeira Island, visited till now! I am amazed by the rich, colorful and diverse ethnography, especially the way it is presented in this museum.Life-sized models, which clearly show the true construction and details of the machines, tools and objects used at the time. To my great surprise, i was amazed by the worker who showed how the loom works and actually produced a real piece of clothing. It is great, sincere love and real warmth for the souls of the visitors. We had the opportunity to attend two exhibitions. Located in the village of Ribeira Brava, the museum brings together a sample of the many aspects of Madeiran culture and ethnography.

The Madeira Ethnographic Museum is located in a property that belonged, at the beginning of the 17th century, to the Convent of Santa Clara do Funchal. In 1853, José Maria Barreto, the last administrator of the São José bond, converted the ruined solar into an industrial unit, having formed a partnership with Jorge de Oliveira for this purpose.

In 1862, an animal-drawn sugar cane mill was installed there, and a distillery distillery for brandy.The Regional Government of Madeira decided to install the Ethnographic Museum of Madeira in the old brandy mill in Ribeira Brava, where it was inaugurated on June 15, 1996.Designed by the architect João Francisco Caíres, the museum is dedicated to the investigation, documentation, conservation and promotion of Madeiran culture and ethnography. Its collection includes collections that cover various social, economic and cultural aspects of the archipelago of Madeira.

The permanent exhibition area is organized by themes: productive activities (fishing, production cycles of wine, cereals and linen), transport, domestic units (kitchen and bedroom) and traditional commerce (grocery store).