Located almost in the heart of the city of Funchal and covering an area of 1 hectare, Quinta das Cruzes represents a qualified urban unit, which image corresponds to a way of living on the island, still prevailing nowadays.

The memories related to this Quinta are connected to the life and history of the city of Funchal. The designation "Cruzes" (crosses) called to this ancient and historic mansion goes back to the earlier times of colonization in the XVI century, as a probable indication of the site where the "houses" whose residents have been the first Capitães Donarários, João Gonçalves Zarco and his successors, were located.

The "casa das cruzes" suffered significant alterations along the centuries, and nowadays it is a huge complex of structures and architectonic elements from several periods.

This noble and ancient residence, which has been subject to several incidents and functionally adapted to the several life experiences of a place, was acquired for a museum in 1946, fulfilling the initiatives of its first donator with the official organizations at the time.

The architectonic dignity and the functionality of its spaces was decisive and made it easier the development of its last vocational definition - The Museum.

The choice of this space for a museum to exhibit decorative arts was not occasional. Its historic past and patrimonial interest are by itself a registration which deserves a special attention.

The official opening of the museum was on May 28, 1953.

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, which is part of the gardened park, was built by Francisco Correia Henriques and probably finished in 1693.

Quinta das Cruzes has been classified as a Property of Public Interest, by Law 36.383 of 28/06/1947.