Algarve Museums and Cultural Centres
São Bras Museum
Founded in 1986, it is much more than just a museum but more a very active cultural centre which is professionally managed and welcoming to new visitors. An organisation called The Friends of the Museum has an excellent website that publishes up-to-date information on special events and regular activities. Amongst the wide variety of offerings are jazz and salsa workshops, art exhibitions, concerts, plays and the attractive gardens. The museum is open on weekdays from 10:00 until 13:00 and from 14:00 until 17:00; on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays it is open from 14:00 until 17:00. Entry 2 €, Children 1 € (Free to senior citizens and Friends of the Museum).
Centro Cultural São Lourenço
Small but perfectly formed, the São Lourenço Cultural Centre is located just down the hill from the São Lourenço church, which is famed for its ornate interiors - so worth combining the two if you decide to make a visit. The centre was founded in 1981 by Marie and Volker Huber. Features regular art exhibitions and there is a decorative garden in which are located various weird and wonderful sculptures - life-size bovines are popular for some reason - including an impressive rendering of Samson destroying the temple in Gaza. The centre also hosts small-scale musical concerts many evenings. There is a nice photo report on the centre here.