Museum
Madeira Optics Museum
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The Madeira Optics Museum (Museu de Óptica da Madeira) is a niche museum dedicated to the history of optics and photography, located in a beautifully restored 19th-century building in Funchal's old town. Visitors can explore a vast collection of antique eyeglasses, telescopes, microscopes, cameras, and other optical instruments spanning several centuries. Interactive displays demonstrate how lenses and light work, making it educational for all ages. The museum also highlights the role of optics in art and science, offering a unique perspective on how we see the world.
Don't miss
- Rare collection of 18th-century eyeglasses and pince-nez
- Hands-on optical illusions and lens experiments
- Vintage cameras and early photography equipment
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Madeira Optics Museum
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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