Quinta das Cruzes Museum - Amazing collection! by Jerelis
The old and historic mansion that holds the collection dates back from the early origins of colonisation and was probably used by the first Donee Generals and their successors as their official residence. The landscaped garden that holds the manor estate spreads over 1 hectare of very valuable land in the centre of Funchal. We were amazed by the beautiful items the Quinta das Cruzes Museum had to offer! When we walked around in our own pace we saw parts of a sunken Dutch sailing ship. Right at that time Mara (the woman who led us in and already understood that we were Dutch) was curious about what some Dutch maps said and Relinde and I were just having fun translating it and talking about it with Mara. As a sort of ?thank you? Mara gave us a personal guided tour. She showed us the fine collection of silver, filigree and antiques that are the legacy and collection of the private collector César Gomes. After that we saw porcelain, furniture of rare woods, glazed pottery, marble, cutlery and many other household ornaments. Some of the furniture on display are valuable examples of renaissance through to romantic craftsmanship and woodwork: Mara told us all about the cabinets and chests made from the excellent wood caixas de açucár (sugar boxes) found on the island dating from the seventeenth century, Indo-Portuguese desks dating from the sixteenth century and many other English and Portuguese style furniture dating from between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. Finally Mara learned us that the museum opened in 1952 as one of the most prestigious and well kept museums of Madeira and we did (and still do) believe her!
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday - 10.00hrs to 12.30hrs and 14.00hrs to 17.30hrs
Sunday - 10.00hrs to 13.00hrs
Closed on public holidays
Address:
Calcada do Pico 1, Funchal, Madeira 9000, Portugal.
Directions:
North West of the city centre.
