The Presidency of the Regional Government of the Azores / Regional Directorate for Culture, through the Carlos Machado Museum, promotes the opening of the museum centre of Santa Bárbara church which, after the conservation and restoration works, will open to the public next Friday on July 8 at 9 PM.

The 17th century building, which currently belongs to the Carlos Machado Museum, is composed by the Santa Bárbara church and “recolhimento” (small convent) and has some notable architectural features. In addition to an octagonal plan, the building also features three gates, three large windows and gilded interiors. The most important examples of sacred art, an 18th century statue of Saint Barbara and a polychrome altarpiece depicting the death of St. Joseph, will be now open to the public.

Nonetheless, these are only two examples of the extensive conservation works that have been carried out inside the church, where several interventions have taken place in the main chapel, the central and side altars, the respective canvas, and the ceiling. Furthermore, other interventions were carried out in the pulpit, the window frames, the cove of the triumphal arch, the high choir frames and oratories as well as in the low choir frames and altarpieces.

The opening session will feature a concert by the musical ensemble “Johann Sebastian Bach,” whose 25 minute programme will be dedicated to two 18th century composers: Rodrigues Esteves (Stabat Mater) and Giovanni Giorgi (Motteto no. 99 a 4 voci concertato per la Domenica 9ª doppo la Pentecoste and Motteto no.50 a 4 voci concertato per la festivissima Domenica della Santa Pasqua).