The setting of the museum, the beautiful former convent of Madre de Deus, is an attraction in itself. The convent was founded in 1509 by Dona Leonor de Viseu, widow of king John II. The convent was built in Manueline style (a local form of Late Gothic) but later partly restored in Renaissance style and decorated with Baroque elements. These Baroque elements are most notable in the Madre de Deus church, which can be accessed from inside the museum. The church is particularly rich in decorations, and the many gilded ornaments form a stark contrast with the blue azulejo tiles that adorn the lower part of the walls. The barrel-vaulted ceiling and the upper part of the walls are covered with large paintings