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 Although
dealing with a somewhat more demure subject matter
as electricity, this museum has proved to be one of
the most attractive and fascinating in Funchal. The
museum is situated in the area formerly occupied by
the Thermal Centre of Funchal (Central Térmica
do Funchal) in downtown old Funchal - the Zona
Velha. It is still owned and operated through
a holding company by the Electrical Utility Authority.
 The
Museum Casa da Luz was inaugurated on the 24th
of November 1997 and has since enjoyed a considerable
amount of visitor turnover helping it candidate
itself for the European Museum of the Year Award.
The
museum was initially established to celebrate the
100 year anniversary of the introduction of electricity
to Madeira. The museum now concentrates on the following
4 main themes:
- The
Lights of Funchal - Luzes do Funchal
-
A Century of Electricity - Um Século
de Electricidade, 1897-1997
- Sources
of Energy in Madeira - Fontes de Energia
- Interactive
Science and Technology Programmes with Virtual
Reality Features (Interactive modules on production,
transportation, and the distribution of energy).
The
museum is a visual introduction to the evolution
of the electrical distribution and infrastructure
on the Islands of the Madeiran Archipelago.
It
is particularly attractive as the visitor has the
opportunity to tinker with and interact
with various types of electrical equipment
in the Interactive Science and Technology Hall - Espaço
Interactivo de Ciencia e Tecnologia.
A
large auditorium has also been built into and as part
of the museum. It is frequent and common to find preparations
for festivals, music shows or orchestral productions
taking place. Keep an eye out for local posters on
the streets of Funchal advertising concerts !
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