Museum of Electricity

The Museum of Electricity (Museu de Eletricidade – Casa da Luz) in Funchal, Madeira, tells the story of the island's electricity network. It sits on the site of the city's former power station, so a visit means seeing the actual place where electricity for Funchal was produced for decades.

What is Casa da Luz?

"Casa da Luz" is Portuguese for "House of Light". The museum occupies the old Funchal power station. The plant began operating in 1897 and was owned at the time by the first electricity concessionaire in Madeira, the Madeira Electric Lighting Company Limited. It was this venture that brought electric light to the island.

How did the power station's story unfold?

In 1949 the Municipal Electricity Services were created and took over the city's power supply. The Funchal power station was shut down in 1989. The site then found a second life: the museum opened on 24 November 1997, marking one hundred years since electricity arrived in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

What can you see inside?

The centrepiece is the decommissioned power station itself, with its former machine halls. The collection includes rare models of old machines and appliances, along with a set of documents. Together they show how the electricity network in Madeira evolved over time. A separate part of the museum offers interactive exhibits for children that explain electrical currents, conductors and other basics in an accessible way.

Who is it for?

The museum suits anyone interested in the history of technology and industrial heritage. It is also a good stop for families with children who enjoy hands-on activities. For visitors who know Madeira mainly for its wine, gardens and levada trails, it offers a less obvious side of the island: how modern infrastructure reached it in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Funchal power station built? It started operating in 1897.

When did the museum open? On 24 November 1997, on the centenary of electricity in Madeira.

When was the power station shut down? In 1989.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, the museum has interactive exhibits that explain the basics of electricity to kids.

How long does a visit take? A short visit is usually enough, so it is easy to combine with a walk around central Funchal. Check current opening hours and ticket prices on the official Madeira culture websites before you go.

Summing up

The Museum of Electricity in Funchal is a small but distinctive museum where the history of technology meets the history of the island. A power station dating from 1897, rare machines and interactive stations for children tell a coherent story of how electricity changed life in Madeira.