Casa Museu Frederico de Freitas by 36waterfalls
This museum is two-in-one: Casa Calçada (the mansion) and Casa dos Azulejos (the house of tiles).The mansion used to be home to Mr. Frederico de Freitas, a lawyer, who lived here from the 1940's until his death in 1978. In his will he left all his possessions to the government of Madeira, who turned his place into a museum.
The house is stuffed with religious art, but also has an interesting china collection. You wander from room to room, while attendants are very helpful explaining the things on display. I was most impressed by the indoor Wintergarden, while the Library was just stunning! Another treasure was the Mugs-room: "continents for liquid contents"; those Freitas collected as souvenirs given by friends-travelers. The museum has over 2000 in its collection, not all on display. But when the lady-attendant saw my excitement, she pointed me to a closed basement, "just switch on the light!" and there I was admiring 100's more adorable mugs!
After that overwelming experience I went next door to the 'house of tiles', an open and light exhibition-hall covering 4 levels with azulejos. A workspace explaining how tiles were designed and made, and different floors covering Persia, Turkey, Iran, Syria, Spain, Flanders, England, Netherlands and Portugal. Madeira made tiles until well into the 20th century.
Unfortunately no pics allowed inside. (you need about 1-2 hours here)
Opening times: Tues-Sat 10.00-12.30 and 14.00-17.30
Sun 10.00-12.30
Entrance fee: ?2,50 for both houses
