Is Armazém do Mercado another hidden gem of Funchal?
If you love art & handmade crafts – definitely. There are 3 reasons why I would recommend visiting Armazém do Mercado during your Funchal trip.
1. What is Armazém do Mercado?
The official website of the place is only in Portuguese, which is probably why you won’t yet see crowds there. On the website, the place introduces itself as:
“FUSION BETWEEN TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY; A place to experience flavors, urban culture and childhood memories.” A unique space that allows to enjoy several innovative and different “street shops”. Store spaces are flexible so there will be opportunity to pop-up and more seasonal deals.”
.. which pretty much sums it up. It is a an art gallery with separate rooms connected with one main hall. The exhibitions aren’t fixed, they can frequently change.
In the particular galleries bigger art pieces, as well as small gifts are being sold. There are also two cafe’s and a toy store. Through the gallery you will also reach a small patio, the Toy Museum (“Museu do Brinquedo”) and the handmade pottery store called Lillie Ceramics.
2. Why is it worth a visit?
2.1. Great place to buy beautiful, handmade, non-kitschy Madeira souvenirs for affordable prices
If there is something that makes me shiver is tacky souvenirs made in China. I love local handmade products and I always try to support local artists whenever I travel.
The small gifts, which we found in the RESTOCK galleries last December were not only handmade, beautiful, and unique, they were also affordable.
You could find there something for all budgets, starting from designer postcards for less than 1 euro.
I felt like purchasing half of their collection.. but ultimately I left only with some small items. My favourite ones were the beautiful levada / hiking trails postcards:
I was pleasantly surprised with the price ranges at Armazém do Mercado. I disagree with the comments that it is a pricey place.
The little magnets, for example, cost only 3 euro; How much more elegant and beautiful than the mass produced magnets are they?
2.2. It is already on your route!
Reason two is that it is already on your Funchal route. You will most probably visit the famous Farmer’s Market (Mercado dos Lavradores). Armazém do Mercado is located next door.
2.3. Perfect option for a rainy day
There aren’t many indoor attractions in Madeira, but this is one of them. If you are looking for indoor attractions for days with bad weather, this might be one of the options. You can join visiting Armazém do Mercado, with Mercado dos Lavoradores, Toy Museum or Madeira Story Centre.
The cafe SNUG located on the corner is also a cozy place offering a lot of healthy and vegetarian options as well as small snacks.
3. Lillie Ceramics Madeira
Through the patio, you will reach the Lillie Ceramics – handmade ceramics products atelier:
Most of the Lillie Ceramics products are handmade, thus not as affordable as the RESTOCK galleries upstairs. They do have also some more affordable products such as necklaces and little hearts.
4. Toy Museum (Museu do Brinquedo)
On the second floor, the Madeira Toy Museum is located. In December 2018, small part of the collection was also presented free of charge in one of the gallery rooms.
The Museu do Brinquedo ticket prices are: 5euro/adults and 3 euro/children.
5. Where is Armazém do Mercado located?
The address of Armazém do Mercado:
Rua do Hospital Velho, N. 28 – 9060-129, Funchal (Next to Mercado dos Lavoradores)
Opening hours Armazém do Mercado :
10 am to 7 pm – Monday to Friday
10 am to 2 pm – Saturday
Armazém do Mercado is closed on Sundays
