Located in the Palace of San Pedro, one of the most significant works of the Portuguese civil architecture from the mid-century. XVIII, the Natural History Museum of Funchal was officially opened on 05 October 1933.

Until then, the Palace of San Pedro played numerous roles throughout its existence. Originally was the residence of the Counts of Carvalhal; in 1882 and under the direction of D. Carolina Sheffield ran the Hotel Sheffield; in 1883, Sister Mary Jane Wilson (founder of the Franciscan Congregation of Our Lady of Victories) there has established the St. George College and, in 1897, worked in the same space the International Club. After its purchase by the City Hall of Funchal, on 19/09/1929, they came to work in the Palace of St. Peter the following institutions: the Municipal Library of Funchal, the Madeira Regional Museum and the Madeira Regional Archives. At present only works in this building the Natural History Museum of Funchal, its Scientific Library and the Municipal Aquarium. The Garden of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants also form an integral part of this building.