In 1992, the opening of the new building, which houses the Museum of Modern Art. This building was the Fort St. James (San Tiago fort), which is located in the Zona Velha, the so-called old town of Funchal.

Museum of Contemporary Art in Funchal is one of the best art museums in Portugal. The collection of this museum is a wonderful and unique by the fact that most of the paintings on display in the museum, donated by the artists. The museum's collection is constantly expanding. Also, in order to replenish and expand the collection, the museum gets the picture, however, is usually a purely symbolic price. From time to time the museum exhibits change as little room for exhibitions and all the exhibits can not be displayed simultaneously. The museum also supports young artists by organizing exhibitions for them, which demonstrates the work of these artists.

The permanent collection of the museum consists of paintings by Portuguese and Madeiran artists since the 1960s. Visitors can admire the works of artists of the 60s of the twentieth century - Artur Rosa, Helena Almeida, Joaquim Rodrigo, Manuel Baptista, Antonio Range, Jorge Martins and Nuno Sikveyra. The next period - 70-80 years - represented by works of Bartolomeu Cid dos Santos, Gil Teixeira Lopes, Antonio Palolo, and many other artists. Among the recent acquisitions of the museum it is worth noting the work of artists 90 years - Ilda David, Anna Vidigal, Babrito Pedro Reis, Sophia Area and others. Portuguese art lovers will like the exhibition of works by Vieira da Silva, the French artist of Portuguese origin.