Some interesting pieces but nothing world-class - ok for price (3 EUR) - 2 floors - can be done in 30 minutes - recommendable as there is not much else to see in Funchal
This museum was just the right size not to be boring, but suffered from a distinct lack of seating. The art was gorgeous and absorbing but frankly after walking my tush off for 3 weeks all over the island the last thing my back had patience for was standing for 2 hours through a museum. The second issue I had was that very few of the placards next to pieces had a YEAR listed on them, so without seeking out the English packet of info (which I didn't do because my back was killing me and there was no place to sit and peruse it) I couldn't gauge how old the pieces were. Just a bench or two down the center of each room would make it a lovely place to sit and really engage with the art. Otherwise the pieces were truly beautiful.
Takes about an hour to visit. Situated in a palace with stone stairs and cobbled hall. Don't buy the leaflet as it doesn't give much information. I loved the ornate wood-carings in particular a relief of the Last Supper. The restaurant attached is excellent.
Only 3 Euro entry over two floors. Predictably, very catholic in content. Lots of silver, some sculpture and quite a few paintings. The processional cross of Funchal is housed here. The items are labelled in Portugese only. The additional leaflet offered on entry for 1 Euro is only a history of the collection and does not refer to the individual exhibits.
OK 3 euros to get in but the staff outnumbered the visitors when I was there! Instead of one handout describing the artifacts, each room had separate ones which was confusing at first and frustrating. That said some of the silverware was awesome including a large chest which really took my eye. As it's under-lit to save damage and you can't use a flash the only way to keep a record is with video and whilst my camera has the facility the quality isn't brilliant so a good low lux camcorder is best. The Flemish artists never could paint "young faces", cherubs and the like in the same way the Italian masters did so the paintings were a little unrealistic in some cases with children/cherubs depicted. It's worth a visit to see everything plus the wooden carvings, some have aged better than others ( dreaded worm has struck some!) but when you consider how old they are some have remained remarkably intact.
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