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The building dates back to the early 17th century and was remodelled in the 18th century.
A particularly important exhibit is the Flemish collection, which dates back to the island’s golden age, when sugar cane was produced here in the 16th century. Madeira’s main sugar planters would exchange sugar, which was considered a luxury at the time, for the best that Flanders had to offer, works of art. Trade with Flanders is thought to have begun in 1468.

Pictures at the museum include works of excellent quality, dominated by 15th and 16th century Flemish art. Some of the works are unique, like the Descent from the Cross and the Adoration of the Magi.
The Flemish panels are impressive thanks not only to their artistic value but also to their size. Some paintings have been attributed to Dierick Bouts, Gerard David, Van Cleve, Mestre de Morrisson, Jean Provoost, Mestre da Adoração de Machico and Jean Gossaert de Mabuse.

The gold collection includes religious pieces from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, like the great processional cross in gold-plated silver attributed to Gil Vicente and donated to Funchal Cathedral by King Manuel, a gold-plated silver salver with Antwerp-style engraving and some 19th and 20th century pieces.
The museum also has samples of vestments from churches in the Funchal dioceses. They are thought to have been embroidered at the convents that existed on the island in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Sculptures include 16th, 17th and 18th century pieces.
The 16th-century collection has fine examples of Flemish pieces, such as the Virgin and Child and Our Lady of the Conception.
The exterior of the museum boasts a watchtower on the top floor with excellent figurative tiles, typical of the time, depicting Faith, Hope and Charity.

Rua do Bispo, 21
Phone: 291 228900.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Entrance fee: EUR 3,00