Convent Museum of Antequera
The Museo Conventual de las Descalzas is a museum of religious art. Located in the Convent of San José, it is managed by the cloistered nuns of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites.
Opened on 16th October 1999, the museum showcases a collection of artistic works from the 18th century. The museum's pieces are spread across several locations within the convent, including the convent church, the Resurrection crypt, and the sacristy. Additionally, there are five exhibition rooms:
- The Tribune Room. In the center of this room stands a bust of the Virgen Dolorosa, the work of the 17th-century Granada sculptor Pedro de Mena. On the walls is displayed a collection of works by the mannerist painter Antonio Mohedano, including a canvas depicting St. Michael the Archangel triumphing over the Devil.
- The Nicola Fumo Room.
Two sculptures from the early 18th century - the Immaculate Conception and Saint Joseph - created by the Neapolitan artist Nicolás Fumo in 1705, stand out in this space. Also on the display is a small sculpture of the Shepherd Child Jesus, attributed to the Baroque sculptor Francisco Salzillo.
A prominent display case in this room contains a collection of gold and silverware, including a 19th-century reliquary containing a handwritten letter of Saint Teresa of Avila, dated 1577.
3. The Nativity Room.
This room was inaugurated on 23rd December 2005, with the Bethlehem of the Descalzas, which recreates landscapes inspired by the upper part of the historic city of Antequera (18th and 19th centuries). The figures are made of gilded and polychrome wood and terracotta (18th and 19th centuries).
4. The Santa Teresa Room.
The name of this room refers to the painting of Saint Teresa of Jesus. It was painted by the Neapolitan painter Luca Giordano (1634-1705) during his ten-year stay in Spain. The main figure shows the Holy Spirit illuminating the saint's face.
5. The Gallery.
Two galleries form an L shape around the cloister, to which the doors of the different rooms open. There is a large collection of glazed urns, resting on tables, which house images of the Child Jesus, the Virgin, and Saint Joseph.
From its window, you can see the colonnaded courtyard of an old 16th-century noble house.
Inside the convent, visitors can purchase traditional pastries made by the resident nuns through a revolving wooden trapdoor, a system that preserves the cloistered life of the order. After ringing a bell and indicating the order, the pastries are delivered discreetly along with the change, preserving anonymity between the purchaser and the pastry chef.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 19:30
- Saturday: from 09:00 to 12:30 and from 17:00 to 19:00
- Sunday: from 09:00 to 12:30
1st May: from 10:00 to 13:30
Address:
Plaza de las Descalzas, 3, Centro, 28013 Madrid