The Quinta das Cruzes manor estate is closely tied to the city’s history as it was the second residence of family of the first appointed captains of the Island, João Gonçalves Zarco.

It includes the former residence of the Morgados das Cruzes family, the Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy, a garden that includes an orchidarium and an archaeological park containing architectonic objects from demolitions of various buildings in the city.

Open to the public since 1953, the museum’s vast collection includes works of art, Portuguese and foreign-made furniture, gold and silver objects, as well as jewellery, ceramic pieces and sculptures.

The collections cover a wide variety of content dating from the 15th century to the first half of the 20th century. They are organised into various nuclei, including paintings, objects crafted in precious metals, furniture, jewellery, sculpture, drawings and engravings, among others. The museum also offers an educational service with various activities ranging from guided and theme-oriented tours to art workshops with pedagogical activities (advance booking required).

The museum also has a library and a cafeteria-restaurant.