Museu de Angra do Heroísmo

The Museu de Angra do Heroísmo is the main museum of Terceira Island in the Azores. It occupies a former Franciscan convent in Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Its collections follow the story of the archipelago from its discovery in 1427 to the present day.

How did the museum begin?

The museum was officially created on 30 March 1949 by the Junta Geral, the governing body of the autonomous district of Angra do Heroísmo. Its first permanent home was the Bettencourt Palace, which it shared with the district archive from 1951 to 1969. The collections then moved to the São Francisco convent, where the museum remains today.

How did it recover from the earthquake?

The building was seriously damaged in the earthquake of 1 January 1980. Consolidation, restoration and adaptation work began in 1991. The museum reopened in November 1997, and the permanent exhibition was fully open again in September 2000.

What is in the collections?

The holdings are notably varied. They include:

• fine arts and archaeology, including underwater archaeology,
• military items and transport,
• maritime artefacts,
• toys and games,
• musical instruments,
• ethnography and textiles,
• decorative arts,
• science and technology,
• numismatics and stone specimens,
• graphic documents, images and sound recordings.

The centrepiece is the permanent exhibition "Do Mar e da Terra" ("Of Sea and Land"). It tells the story of life in the Azores since the islands were discovered in 1427. You will see porcelain, antique furniture, navigational instruments and military equipment.

Does the museum have other sites?

Yes, it consists of three branches:

1. the São Francisco Building, the headquarters,
2. the Manuel Coelho Baptista de Lima Military History Branch,
3. the Carmina – Dimas Simas Lopes Contemporary Art Gallery.

A single visit can therefore combine maritime history, military history and contemporary art.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the museum? In the centre of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island, in the former convent of São Francisco.

When was the museum founded? Officially on 30 March 1949. It has occupied its current building since the restoration that ended with the 1997 reopening.

How long should I plan for a visit? The permanent exhibition covers many themes, so allow at least a few hours, more if you also want to see the other branches.

Is it a good stop for maritime history fans? Yes. The collections include maritime artefacts, navigational instruments and underwater archaeology finds linked to the Azores' place on ocean routes.

Should I check opening hours before going? Yes. Hours and ticket prices can change, so check the museum's official website before you travel.