Museu Carlos Machado

Located in the city of Ponta Delgada, the Carlos Machado Museum is the oldest museum in the archipelago. The collection began in 1880 with pieces of zoology, botany and mineralogy, a product of the development of the ancient Azorean Museum founded by Professor Carlos Gomes Machado in 1876.

Along with the initial collection, other works were included, such as African ethnography in 1893, Art in 1912 and later in 1930, Regional ethnography that was introduced due to the growing interest in exploring the island's own identity. The museum also has an audio-guide system available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese, in order to show and promote Azorean culture and identity.

In 1930 the museum appears in its present location, in the Convent of Santo André. This building is one of the most beautiful examples of the convent architecture of Ponta Delgada, dating from the year 1600. If you are looking for a cultural visit to São Miguel, the Carlos Machado Museum is a must see.