Museu Casa do Arcano
Museum in the house where Madre Margarida do Apocalipse lived, with the Arcano Místico, a 19th-century showcase of 92 biblical scenes in miniature figures.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museu Casa do Arcano occupies the house, adapted for the purpose, where Madre Margarida do Apocalipse lived, a Poor Clare nun of the Convento de Jesus in Ribeira Grande. In the 19th century she created the Arcano Místico (Mystical Arcanum), a set of thousands of small figures representing mysteries of the Old and New Testaments, modelled in flour, gum arabic and other materials. The collection was classified as a regional treasure in 2009.
The restoration and museum-creation project received the Prémio Vilalva in 2012. The centrepiece is a large wood-and-glass showcase, about 2 by 2 metres, divided into three levels, which brings together 92 scenes and some 3,900 figures.
The museum is spread over three floors, where some of the house's original rooms are preserved. An introductory video explains the life and work of the nun. The space also has an auditorium and a room for temporary exhibitions, and it is part of the network of units of the Museu Municipal da Ribeira Grande.
Highlights
- Showcase of the Arcano Místico with 92 biblical scenes
- About 3,900 miniature figures
- House where Madre Margarida do Apocalipse lived
- Video on the life and work of the nun
- Prémio Vilalva 2012
Permanent exhibition
- Arcano Místico – Showcase of 92 scenes from the Old and New Testaments and about 3,900 miniature figures, the work of Madre Margarida do Apocalipse, with an introductory video.
- Operated by
- Município da Ribeira Grande
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials
- Audio description: no information
The entrance has a step of 8 cm and the main door is at least 78 cm wide. There is a lift with Braille buttons, an accessible toilet, a plan of the space at the entrance, Braille information, tactile models and easy-read leaflets. Movement in a wheelchair is only partial. Adapted guided tours require prior booking.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum has an auditorium and a room for temporary exhibitions.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours adapted to people with disabilities are available, by prior booking. |
