Museum of Sacred Art of Funchal
About the Museum of Sacred Art of Funchal
Housed in a 16th-century palace, the former Bishop Palace, and founded in 1594 by Dom Luís Figueiredo de Lemos, the Museum of Sacred Art of Funchal is one of the oldest museums in the capital of Madeira.
The facilities that once served as the residence of the bishops of Funchal now house an eclectic art collection, with works dating from the period between the 15th and 19th centuries. From painting to sculpture, as well as jewellery and garments (mostly embroidered in gold), the collection of the Museum of Sacred Art of Funchal is characterised by its diversity and historical importance.
Two main groups emerge from this universe of works: Portuguese Art and Flemish Art. In the latter, it is important to highlight, for example, the quality of the paintings, whose large dimensions are uncommon in European museums.
As regards to jewellery, the Museum of Sacred Art of Funchal features the 15th-century processional cross of Água de Pena, the 16th-century tray and worked chalice from Antwerp, as well as the processional cross offered by King Manuel I to the Cathedral of Funchal. On the balcony, you can also admire an 18th-century tile panel allegorically representing the trilogy 'Faith, Hope and Charity'.
Located in an iconic 16th-century palace, the Museum of Sacred Art of Funchal houses an eclectic art collection, with works dating from between the 15th and 19th centuries.