SAN JUAN DE DIOS CHURCH-MUSEUM

THE MUSEUM

All arts-- architecture, sculpture, painting and music-are present in the permanent smell of incense, wax, and aromatic plants. In an atmosphere of warm light, recreating a true Baroque environment for the enjoyment of the five senses:

All this and much more can be found in the San Juan de Dios Church-Museum In the framework of a delightful 18th century church, this oval-shaped structure contains plaster-based rococo decorations with false architectural elements decorating the altar. The altar is the work of the Italian Paolo Sistori, who embellished the radial chapels elegantly and created a splendid altar piece made with marble and jasper, and mixed with gilded touches.

The church is an example of the most complete religious structures in the Region, with pieces that date from the 15th century until the early 20th century. The works are excellent representations of the sculptors within this field, and are also admirable within their own context; the purpose for which they were created. The artworks are all accompanied by a Baroque music background, adapted to liturgical times. Live concerts are also offered periodically, utilizing the ideal acoustic settings within the space.

Worship is held weekly and is performed by the passionate clerics who have a permanent canonic residence within the church. This ensures that the temple does not lose its true and original purpose.

THE SCULPTURES

The imaginative pieces originating within San Juan de Dios Church have been preserved almost in their entirety. In addition, after restoration, rehabilitation and the Church's reopening as a Museum, the collection has been greatly enriched by other pieces of notable artistic interest. This has made the Museum one of the most important and most representative polychrome sculpture repertoires within the Region.

The exhibit covers all the periods and styles of this artistic aspect in historical relevance to our culture: From the 15th century one can consider the primitively-styled main image within the temple, Our Lady of Grace and Good Will, although her image was greatly transformed in the Baroque period to add vestments. Also, the devoted Crucifix, titled Health, is a work of the late Gothic period. In the 16th century, the most outstanding examples are the Christ on the Cross, attributed to Frey Domingo Beltran and the moving Christ's Birth, by Diego de Ayala, which is possibly one of the first representations of this event created in Spain.

From the 17th century, the Virgin of Passage calls one's attention as a markedly Italian piece. The Saint Francisco of Borja, a work by Nicolas de Bussi is considered one of the best sculptures of its century.

On exhibit from the golden age of Murcian sculpture (18th century) is an extensive representation of the genius of Francisco Salzillo and his contemporaries, as well as those who continued to use his techniques and style into the 19th century.