The Funchal Natural History Museum is housed in São Pedro Palace, one of the most important examples of mid-18th century Portuguese civil architecture.

Various species of birds, marine reptiles, land and marine mammals, insects, invertebrates and plants are on exhibit, as well as a collection of rocks and minerals from the archipelago of Madeira and marine fossils from Porto Santo island. In all, the museum’s collections include over 37,000 specimens.

The building is also home to the museum’s scientific library and the Municipal Aquarium.