Casa Museu Frederico de Freitas, Funchal, Madeira
The Casa Museu Frederico de Freitas in Funchal is the former home of Frederico de Freitas (1894-1978), a lawyer, collector, and art enthusiast.
The museum opened in 1998 and the mansion has various rooms to visit. These include the dining room, tea room, kitchen, lounges, bedrooms and a games room.
History
The museum is housed in a beautiful mansion that was originally built in the 17th century by the Counts of Calçada and later expanded in the 19th century in the romantic style.
Frederico de Freitas acquired the mansion in 1953 and transformed it into a museum to showcase his extensive collection of art and decorative objects.
The collection first began with objects from Madeira but expanded to include pieces from overseas.
Exhibits
The extensive collection includes paintings, sculptures, furniture, ceramics, textiles, and other artifacts, spanning different periods and styles.
The museum is organized in a way that reflects the personal taste and interests of Frederico de Freitas. The rooms are filled with a diverse range of objects, creating an eclectic and immersive atmosphere.
Visitors can explore the various rooms, each with its own distinct character and theme. One of the highlights of the museum is the impressive collection of Portuguese furniture from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The furniture pieces are intricately carved and adorned with decorative elements, showcasing the craftsmanship of the time.
The museum also features a noteworthy collection of ceramics and azulejo tiles, including pieces from Portugal, China, and other countries.
These ceramics represent different styles and techniques, providing insight into the history and evolution of ceramic art. In addition, the museum houses a collection of paintings by Portuguese and foreign artists, including works by Flemish and Italian masters. The paintings cover a wide range of genres, from religious and historical subjects to landscapes and still lifes.
Garden
There is a small garden area at the side of the house.
Accommodation
Some recommended hotels in Funchal include the Pestana Casino Park Hotel & Casino, overlooking the Bay of Funchal, Pestana Casino Studios, Pestana CR7 Funchal, and the Hotel Madeira.
Top end hotels on Madeira include the LTI Pestana Grand Ocean Resort Hotel, with spa, steam baths, saunas and indoor pool, and The Cliff Bay - PortoBay boasting indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a 2-Michelin star restaurant and free Wi-Fi.
Budget options in Funchal include the 3 star Hotel Monte Carlo, and the Hotel Catedral, also 3 star with air-conditioned rooms and terrace.
See a full listing of hotels in Funchal and hotels in Madeira as a whole.
Access
Calçada de Santa Clara 7
9000-036 Funchal
Tel: 291 202 570
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 am - 5.30 pm; closed: Sunday, Monday and public holidays.
Admission is presently 3 Euros. No photography is allowed inside.
The museum is close to the Igreja de Sao Pedro, the Convento de Santa Clara and the Museu Quinta das Cruzes.
